Ghana moves closer to extraditing ex-Finance Minister

The Government of Ghana’s efforts to haul in former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to account for his stewardship in the Nana Akufo-Addo-led administration, has received a boost following indications by sources at the US Department of Justice and the FBI that the pursuit does not amount to a witch-hunt. Sources at the US Embassy in Accra told My Joy Online that the principal federal law enforcement agency has satisfied itself that what Ofori-Atta is being requested to respond to in Ghana is legitimate. Foreign nationals in the US who claim persecution or a political witch-hunt by their home governments may seek legal protection through various mechanisms under US immigration law and international human rights obligations. Ofori-Atta, who is seeking medical care in the US, has accused the government, particularly the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), of abusing his fundamental human rights as the Office seeks to interrogate him over allegations of financial malfeasance and causing financial loss to the state. The Economic and Organised Crime Office, and the National Investigation Bureau are also seeking to interrogate Ofori-Atta over similar allegations. The OSP for instance, after twice declaring Ofori-Atta a wanted man and a fugitive from justice following his failure to honour invitations to attend the Office for interrogation, has applied for his extradition through the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. Ofori-Atta has filed several suits to overturn his declaration as a wanted person, and also to fight what he says is the abuse of his human rights.

Full My Joy Online report