Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, says he remains “extremely hopeful” that former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta will eventually be returned to Ghana, following proceedings involving him in a United States court.
Speaking to journalists after monitoring a hearing in the US, Dr Ayine said American authorities were handling the matter strictly in accordance with US law and that he had no concerns about how the process had unfolded so far. He confirmed he had followed the proceedings closely and had received briefings from officials in the United States, but declined to disclose details, describing them as confidential.
The case before the US court currently relates to alleged immigration law violations, which Dr Ayine stressed are separate from any extradition request Ghana may pursue. He explained that while the trial judge noted there was no formal proof of an extradition request before the court, such a request would need to be officially filed by the US federal government if it is to be considered.
“The Justice Department is working on the extradition request,” Dr Ayine said, adding that immigration proceedings and extradition processes are “separate and distinct” legal matters under US law. He noted that if an immigration judge is informed that an extradition request exists, the judge would require a formal filing before taking it into account.
Asked when such a filing might occur, the Attorney-General said the timeline was beyond Ghana’s control. “I don’t control what happens with the Justice Department in the US,” he said, underscoring that the process rests with American authorities.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding timing, Dr Ayine expressed confidence that the process would ultimately succeed. When pressed on whether he believed Ofori-Atta would be returned to Ghana, he responded: “I am very hopeful. Extremely hopeful.”
The former finance minister has been a subject of intense public and political interest in Ghana, with calls for accountability over matters linked to his time in office. Any potential extradition would depend on compliance with US legal procedures, including formal filings and judicial consideration.
For now, Ghanaian authorities say they are watching developments closely while allowing US institutions to follow their established legal processes.
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