Ofori-Atta’s Interpol Red Notice: Public listing could jeopardise strategic arrest – Amanda Clinton

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has declared former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta wanted again. This includes an Interpol Red Notice. Private legal practitioner Amanda Clinton criticized this decision.

Clinton acknowledged that an Interpol notification is legally appropriate. However, she believes the publicity could hinder the OSP's goals. She spoke on the JoyNews AM Show on June 6, 2025.

Ofori-Atta missed his June 2 deadline, prompting the OSP to reissue the notice. Clinton highlighted a key difference between legal procedure and strategic execution.

She stated that INTERPOL Red Notices are meant for law enforcement agencies, not the public. If Ghana wanted help locating him, a confidential notice would have been better. This would allow for quiet interception without alerting Ofori-Atta.

Clinton explained that Red Notices aim to catch high-profile individuals discreetly. Many notices are designed to be covert for effective border apprehension.

She warned that the OSP's public announcement might compromise international operations. Such declarations can hinder efficient law enforcement cooperation, which often relies on stealth.

While public wanted lists can lead to citizen tips, Clinton argued that high-profile cases require formal diplomatic channels. She discussed extradition complexities and emphasized the need for sufficient evidence from the requesting country.

Clinton noted a "political offence exception" in extradition treaties. This could be used by Ofori-Atta’s legal team based on how charges are framed.

She cautioned against "trial by media," where public declarations can damage reputations before legal processes unfold. Although she believes it’s better for Ofori-Atta to face charges, her critique focuses on the OSP's public relations strategy.

Clinton mentioned that Ofori-Atta’s lawyers provided medical documentation from Mayo Clinic regarding possible cancer detection. If Ghanaian law enforcement knows his location in the U.S., then the Red Notice may serve other purposes like political pressure.

“It’s plausible that the Office of the Special Prosecutor opted for a public listing to show accountability,” she said. However, if quick arrest was desired, a confidential notice would have been more effective.

This case has sparked debates about Ghana's approach to high-level corruption investigations. The balance between public transparency and operational strategy remains crucial as events unfold.

The effectiveness of this public listing will be judged by whether Mr. Ofori-Atta returns to Ghana for investigation.