The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has announced that the Government of Ghana has completed and submitted an extradition request for former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, and Ernest Darko Akore to authorities in the United States.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, December 10, 2025, Dr. Ayine explained that his office had finalized the extradition documentation and transmitted it through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the United States Department of Justice for consideration.
“At this stage, the matter is no longer within our control. It is now for the American authorities, particularly the judicial authorities, to determine whether there is sufficient legal basis for the extradition of the two accused persons to Ghana to stand trial,” he stated.
Ken Ofori-Atta was named a suspect by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in January 2025 in connection with several corruption-related investigations. These include alleged irregularities involving Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), the National Cathedral project, and issues related to health sector contracts and tax refund operations.
In February 2025, Ofori-Atta was declared a fugitive from justice after failing to return to Ghana as required. He has since remained in the United States.
Dr. Ayine noted that the cases were initiated by the OSP, which limits the extent to which he can comment on the specific allegations. He therefore urged the public to rely on the charge sheet, which he said is publicly available.
“There are a total of 78 charges against Honourable Ken Ofori-Atta and his alleged accomplices. These charges relate to causing financial loss to the state and the use of public office for private benefit,” the Attorney-General added.
The extradition request now awaits a decision by U.S. judicial authorities on whether Ken Ofori-Atta and Ernest Darko Akore will be returned to Ghana to face trial.
Source: MyNewsGh.com
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