The Office of the Special Prosecutor “got it wrong” in its handling of the case involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and must apologise to Ghanaians, a member of his legal team has said.
Speaking on an AM show, lawyer Frank Davies criticised the OSP over the now-deleted INTERPOL Red Notice against Mr Ofori-Atta, describing the process as flawed and unfair.
“So yes, they got it wrong this time. They goofed. I think they should be apologetic and tell Ghanaians the truth,” he said.
Mr Davies stressed that due process and the rule of law are not mere slogans but must be reflected in how investigations and prosecutions are conducted.
“My candid advice to them is that the rule of law and due process is not a term of art. It evolves from established practices and processes,” he noted.
He warned against condemning suspects in the court of public opinion before cases are properly tested in court.
“It is not always right to punish people’s reputation when there is no basis for it,” he added.
His comments follow a decision by the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files to permanently delete a Red Notice issued against Mr Ofori-Atta.
In a public notice dated February 13, 2026, counsel for the former minister, Justice Kusi-Minkah Premo, announced that the commission reached the decision during its 135th session held on February 4, 2026.
According to the statement, the commission concluded that the Red Notice “appears of a predominantly political character” and did not comply with INTERPOL rules.
It also found that the data submitted by Ghana’s National Central Bureau failed to meet INTERPOL’s standards and should be removed from its system.
INTERPOL’s constitution bars the organisation from engaging in political, military, religious or racial activities, with the commission tasked to ensure compliance.
Mr Davies said the decision confirms that Mr Ofori-Atta’s name has now been completely removed from INTERPOL’s records.
“This is why due process matters. You cannot destroy someone’s reputation before the facts are properly established,” he said.
The case has attracted national attention due to Mr Ofori-Atta’s prominent role in Ghana’s recent economic management under the New Patriotic Party government.
In response to the development, the OSP has reiterated its commitment to fairness and legality.
In a statement, the office said it remains guided solely by law and evidence and is committed to the fair, lawful and impartial prosecution of corruption and corruption-related offences.
