Ghana’s former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Kuntunkununku Ofori‑Atta, also known as Ken Ofori-Atta was born on 7th November 1958 in Kibi, Eastern Region, Ghana.
According to GhanaRegions.com, Ken Ofori-Atta once hailed as the architect of Ghana’s economic reforms, Ken Ofori-Atta commanded power as finance minister from 2017 to 2024, managing billions in public funds and reshaping fiscal policy.
But his star has dimmed dramatically: now at the center of a corruption investigation that has spiraled into global dimensions. With an Interpol Red Notice marking a dramatic twist, his story reads like a cautionary tale about the fine line between public service and political scandal.
Kenneth Nana Yaw Kuntunkununku Ofori‑Atta hails from a politically prominent family—his father was economist-politician Jones Ofori Atta, and he’s a cousin of President Nana Akufo‑Addo.
Educated at Achimota School, he earned a B.A. in Economics from Columbia University in 1984 and an MBA from Yale School of Management in 1988.
Professional Career
After a stint at Morgan Stanley and Salomon Brothers in New York, he returned to Ghana in 1990 to co-found Databank Group. His leadership transformed it into a leading financial services firm across West Africa.
Political Career as Finance Minister (2017–2024)
Nominated by President Akufo‑Addo, Ofori‑Atta served as Ghana’s Minister of Finance and Economic Planning from 27 January 2017 to 14 February 2024.
During his tenure, he chaired the World Bank/IMF Development Committee, steered Ghana through a significant IMF-supported debt restructuring after the 2022 default, and earned praise—including “Africa Finance Minister of the Year 2018”.
Later Years & Controversies
Despite early economic optimism—like an S&P rating upgrade—his term drew criticism that culminated in a parliamentary censure motion in October 2022 amid currency decline and economic mismanagement. He was ultimately reshuffled out in early 2024
🛑Interpol Red Notice: Why, When & Where, Why Was He Listed?
In early 2025, Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) launched investigations targeting five major corruption cases involving Ofori-Atta—most notably:
Alleged misuse of approximately US $58 million in public funds tied to an unfinished “National Cathedral” project.
Financial misconduct in contracts related to petroleum revenues, electricity, ambulance procurement, and a revenue assurance deal with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML).
Key Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | OSP requests his presence by 10 Feb regarding corruption cases. |
| Feb 12, 2025 | Declared a “fugitive” after not appearing due to claimed medical treatment abroad . |
| Feb 18, 2025 | OSP removes him from the wanted list after he offers to return in May. |
| Mar 2025 | He files suit against the OSP over reputational damage and online content . |
| June 2, 2025 | OSP re-declares him wanted as he fails to appear again . |
| June 5–6, 2025 | Interpol issues the Red Notice following the renewed request . |
What Is an Interpol Red Notice?
It is not an arrest warrant, but a global alert asking member countries (all 196 nations) to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition.
Ofori‑Atta is described as a 65‑year‑old Ghanaian male, born in Accra on 7 November 1958, 1.70 m tall, black hair/eyes, known to speak English and Twi.
Possible detainment is now valid in any of the 196 member countries, including major jurisdictions like the US, UK, South Africa, Guyana, Hong Kong, and the Cayman Islands
Reactions & Implications
His legal team deems the “fugitive” label an infringement of rights, citing ongoing medical treatment abroad
Some legal experts argue that making the Red Notice public might undermine covert arrest strategies and border surveillance
For Ghana’s new administration under John Mahama, this forms part of a broader anti-corruption drive seeking to recover billions in alleged misappropriated public funds.
🔍Current Status & What’s Next
Whereabouts: Official sources confirm he’s abroad undergoing medical treatment; exact location unknown .
Detention Risk: Launches a risk of arrest if he returns to any Interpol member country—pending extradition decisions.
Legal Strategy: His team is prepared to formally challenge the process through Ghana’s courts, citing health and reputational concerns.
OSP Stance: The prosecutor vows to pursue all legal avenues to bring him back to Ghana for trial.
