The Government of Ghana has completed all legal processes required to seek the extradition of former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, and his alleged accomplice, Ernest Darko Akore, from the United States, the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Ayine, has announced.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, December 10, 2025, Mr Ayine said the full extradition request has been transmitted through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the appropriate United States authorities, including the Department of Justice.
“In January 2025, the Office of the Special Prosecutor named Honourable Ken Ofori-Atta a suspect in several corruption-related investigations,” Mr Ayine recalled, noting that the cases include alleged irregularities involving contracts with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), expenditure on the National Cathedral project, and matters related to health and tax refund operations.
Despite being declared a fugitive from justice in February 2025, nearly ten months later, Mr Ofori-Atta has not returned to Ghana and remains in the United States.
“At this point, it is left to the American authorities, particularly the judicial authorities, to determine whether a sufficient basis exists for the extradition of the two accused persons to Ghana to stand trial,” Mr Ayine stated.
He explained that the cases are being prosecuted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, limiting his ability to discuss specific details. However, he urged the public to refer to the publicly available charge sheet.
“There are 78 charges against Honourable Ken Ofori-Atta and his accomplices, bordering on causing financial loss to the state and using public office for private benefit,” he disclosed.
Mr Ayine emphasised that the government remains firmly committed to accountability and the rule of law, adding that all legally required steps have been taken to ensure the accused face justice in Ghana.
The extradition request now awaits assessment by US judicial authorities, who will determine whether the legal requirements for returning the accused persons to Ghana have been met
