GOVERNMENT OF GHANA SEEKS EXTRADITION OF EX-FINANCE MINISTER KEN OFORI-ATTA FROM AMERICA
Attorney-General confirms formal request sent to American authorities; former minister and aide face 78 corruption-related charges.
The Ghanaian government has formally submitted an extradition request to United States authorities for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and his former Chef de Cabinet, Ernest Darko Akore, to face 78 corruption-related charges in Ghana.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Dr. Dominic Ayine disclosed the development on Thursday, December 18, during the Government Accountability Series, confirming that all legal requirements had been completed and the request transmitted through diplomatic channels.
“This step was taken after my office received the necessary documentation and clarifications from the Office of the Special Prosecutor,” Dr. Ayine stated. “It is now in the hands of the U.S. judicial authorities to ascertain whether the threshold for extradition has been met.”
The extradition process follows criminal charges filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor on November 18 against Ofori-Atta and seven others, including former Ghana Revenue Authority officials and representatives of Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).
Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng earlier revealed that investigations uncovered evidence of serious financial irregularities, with the OSP seeking to recover GH₵125 million from SML for alleged unjust enrichment obtained “unfairly at the expense of the Republic.”
Ofori-Atta is expected to be tried in absentia after failing to return to Ghana following his travel to the United States. The Attorney-General emphasized that the government remains committed to accountability and due process while respecting international legal frameworks governing extradition.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
