The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Ayine, has revealed that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has retained some of the most experienced lawyers in the United States to challenge Ghana’s request for his extradition.
Speaking on Thursday, December 18, during the Government Accountability Series, Mr Ayine said the development signals a potentially lengthy legal battle in the U.S. court system, making it difficult to determine when Mr Ofori-Atta could return to Ghana to face trial.
According to the Attorney-General, the former Finance Minister’s legal team is expected to contest the extradition through several layers of the U.S. judicial system, including the federal district court, circuit court, and potentially the U.S. Supreme Court. He noted that while he is not intimidated by the challenge, the appeals process could significantly prolong the extradition proceedings.
Mr Ayine said the government has taken all necessary legal steps to secure Mr Ofori-Atta’s return to Ghana on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, stressing the state’s commitment to accountability and the rule of law.
He also appealed directly to Mr Ofori-Atta to return voluntarily, assuring him of fair treatment and due process. The Attorney-General emphasized that the former Finance Minister would not be singled out and would be prosecuted in line with established legal procedures, just like others currently facing charges.
The Government Accountability Series is a platform for ministers to provide mid-year updates and preliminary assessments of government performance as part of broader efforts to promote transparency and accountability.