A United States immigration judge has relied on Interpol’s decision to cancel a red notice against former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as part of the reasons for rejecting claims that he was involved in criminal wrongdoing.

Judge David Gardey, delivering his ruling at the Annandale Immigration Court on June 15, 2026, said Interpol’s Commission for the Control of Files (CCF) decision to delete the red notice provided independent support for concerns surrounding the case against Mr Ofori-Atta.

Ghana had secured the red notice in connection with investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor into allegations relating to the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) contract.

The judge noted that Interpol’s review had described the matter as “predominantly political”, a finding which was presented before the court by an expert witness.

Judge Gardey said the Interpol decision reinforced his conclusion that the allegations against Mr Ofori-Atta were not supported by sufficient evidence.

“The lack of any persuasive evidence indicating any kind of criminal wrongdoing or criminal conspiracy involving the respondent in the OSP's affidavit is powerful evidence,” he said.

The court also questioned why the United States government had not pursued an extradition request against Mr Ofori-Atta, indicating that the absence of such action suggested difficulties in establishing credible criminal claims against him.