The Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, announced on Thursday that the government has formally transmitted a request to United States authorities for the extradition of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and his alleged accomplice, Ernest Akore.
Speaking at the government’s Accountability Series held at the Jubilee House in Accra, Dr. Ayine confirmed that the request is intended to bring the two individuals back to Ghana to face 78 corruption charges filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). The charges are linked to an ongoing investigation into alleged financial loss caused to the state through the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) scandal.
The extradition process began on November 19, 2025, when the OSP first submitted its request to the Attorney General’s Department. Dr. Ayine noted that the International Cooperation Unit initially identified documentation gaps, which were subsequently rectified by the OSP on December 9. Following this finalization, the completed request package was sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 10 for delivery to the U.S. Department of Justice. While the Attorney General emphasized that the final decision now rests with the American judicial system, he assured the public that the government, under President John Dramani Mahama, is committed to due process and a transparent trial for the accused.
In addition to the extradition update, the Attorney General highlighted broader successes in asset recovery, noting that the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has successfully used local laws to freeze and recover over $15.1 million in virtual assets hidden in foreign jurisdictions.
Regarding the SML case, Dr. Ayine maintained that the legal steps taken are necessary to ensure accountability, stating that Ofori-Atta would be treated fairly and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He urged the former minister to return voluntarily to face the charges, reinforcing the state’s resolve to see the judicial process through to its conclusion.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
