Ken Ofori Atta remains wanted despite US immigration proceedings

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has confirmed that former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta remains the subject of a valid arrest warrant issued by the High Court in Accra. Despite ongoing immigration proceedings in the United States, Ofori-Atta is still wanted in Ghana for corruption and corruption-related offences.

The OSP released a public notice to clarify the situation following the circulation of a transcript from a United States immigration court. The document has been misinterpreted by some to suggest that Ofori-Atta has not been credibly charged in Ghana. However, the OSP has rejected this interpretation, stating that it is not involved in the former minister’s immigration proceedings in the United States.

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The OSP explained that its involvement relates only to extradition proceedings, which are being handled through Ghana’s Attorney-General as the country’s central authority. The extradition documents are not before the US immigration court, and the court has no authority to determine the credibility of the criminal charges against Ofori-Atta.

“The credibility or otherwise of the criminal charges against Mr. Ofori-Atta is a matter for determination by the courts in Ghana,” the OSP stated. The office emphasized that there are three separate legal proceedings involving the former minister: immigration proceedings in the United States, extradition proceedings to determine whether he should be returned to Ghana, and the criminal case before the High Court in Accra.

The OSP reiterated that Ofori-Atta remains an accused person before the High Court in Accra and that a valid warrant has been issued for his arrest. The office stressed that he remains a fugitive from justice in Ghana and is required to appear before the High Court to answer the charges against him.

The OSP has confirmed that the criminal proceedings in Ghana will continue in accordance with the law and the directives of the High Court, whether or not Ofori-Atta is physically present in the country. The outcome of the extradition proceedings in the United States will not affect the ongoing criminal case in Ghana. The OSP will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

The former Finance Minister’s status as a fugitive from justice in Ghana highlights the ongoing efforts to hold him accountable for his actions during his tenure in office. The OSP’s clarification has ensured that the public is aware of the correct legal status of Ofori-Atta in Ghana, despite the ongoing immigration proceedings in the United States.

Source: Ghanaian Times