Ofori-Atta’s extradition case unaffected by US immigration proceedings — OSP
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has clarified its position following media reports suggesting that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been granted permanent residency in the United States based on findings linked to criminal charges filed in Ghana.
In a statement reacting to the reports, the OSP said it had taken note of publications attributed to a Ghanaian law firm and other media platforms claiming that a US immigration court’s decision on Mr Ofori-Atta’s residency application implied doubts about the credibility of charges brought against him in Ghana.
The Office stressed that it is not a party to any immigration proceedings involving Mr Ofori-Atta in the United States, adding that its mandate is strictly limited to domestic criminal investigations and prosecution efforts.
According to the OSP, its current engagement in the matter relates only to extradition proceedings being pursued through the Attorney-General, who serves as the central authority in international legal cooperation.
“The OSP states that it is not involved in immigration hearings in the United States involving Mr. Ofori-Atta. The OSP’s involvement is in respect of extradition proceedings against Mr. Ofori-Atta through the Attorney-General as the central authority,” the statement said.
It further clarified that the extradition dossier concerning Mr Ofori-Atta is not before any US immigration court, and therefore cannot be the subject of any findings by that court regarding the substance or credibility of the criminal allegations in Ghana.
“The OSP states that the extradition packet is not before the immigration court; and the credibility or otherwise of the criminal charges against Mr. Ofori-Atta would be determined by the courts in Ghana, who have jurisdiction to determine his guilt or innocence,” it added.
The Office also emphasised that Mr Ofori-Atta remains a Ghanaian citizen and is still subject to extradition proceedings should the competent authorities in the United States approve such a request.
“Mr. Ofori-Atta still remains a citizen of Ghana and he is still amenable to be extradited to Ghana if so decided by the extradition court in the United States,” the statement noted.
The clarification comes in the wake of heightened public interest in the legal status of the former Finance Minister, following reports of a favourable ruling on his US residency application and ongoing efforts by Ghanaian authorities to secure his return for prosecution.
