AG, OSP Collaborate to Bring Ofori-Atta Back to Face Justice
AG and Special Prosecutor coordinate efforts to return Ken Ofori-Atta from the U.S. to face corruption investigations back home
- The Attorney-General’s Department and Office of the Special Prosecutor are actively coordinating to extradite former Finance Minister
- Ofori-Atta is under investigation for alleged corruption and procurement
- The government is pushing forward with legal efforts to ensure his return for prosecution.
Ghana’s Attorney-General’s Department has confirmed that it is collaborating closely with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to initiate extradition proceedings against former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, currently residing in the United States.
Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem Sai disclosed that formal legal channels are being activated to facilitate Mr. Ofori-Atta’s return to Ghana, where he faces multiple investigations.
“There is a specific extradition procedure that we are pursuing, which allows us to initiate an arrest wherever the individual is found, begin due process there, and eventually bring them back to Ghana for prosecution,” Dr. Sai explained in a June 12 interview with Joy News.
Despite Mr. Ofori-Atta’s reported health condition—he is scheduled to undergo cancer surgery at the Mayo Clinic on June 13, 2025—the Ghanaian government is pressing ahead with efforts to have him extradited.
Investigations Underway
Mr. Ofori-Atta is under scrutiny for alleged corruption and procurement irregularities tied to his time in office. The OSP is investigating several high-profile cases:
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Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Assurance – Including a deal between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority.
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Electricity Company Contract Termination – Involving the cancellation of an agreement with Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC).
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National Cathedral Project – Examining procurement practices and fund disbursements.
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Ambulance Procurement – Focusing on a Ministry of Health deal for 307 ambulances with Service Ghana Auto Group.
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GRA Tax P-Fund Management – Probing how the GRA managed and distributed funds from its Tax P-Fund account.
Timeline of Key Events:
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January 2025 – OSP identifies Ofori-Atta as a suspect in five investigations and summons him for questioning.
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31 January – His legal team notifies the OSP of his indefinite medical leave abroad.
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5 February – OSP rejects the claim, insisting on a firm return date by February 10.
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10 February – A vague medical note is submitted, prompting no resolution.
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12 February – The OSP issues an arrest warrant and labels him a fugitive.
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18 February – Ofori-Atta proposes a May 2025 return date; OSP temporarily removes him from the wanted list.
Legal Counterattack
In March 2025, Ofori-Atta launched a lawsuit against the OSP and its head, arguing that his declaration as a fugitive was unlawful. He also demanded removal of related notices from the OSP’s social media accounts.
The Human Rights Court heard his interim plea on March 28, where he sought to prevent any future declarations without due process.
As legal and diplomatic channels now heat up, the extradition case marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s anti-corruption campaign and could test the country’s commitment to enforcing accountability—even across borders.
