AG formally requests extradition of Ofori-Atta, Ernest Akore to face charges

 

The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice have announced that the government has formally submitted a request to the United States authorities for the extradition of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and Ernest Darko Akore to face corruption-related charges brought by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

Speaking on Thursday, December 18, during the Government Accountability Series, the Attorney-General, Dominic Ayine, said the move followed the receipt of all required documentation and clarifications from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), adding that the two are expected to answer to a total of 78 alleged corruption and corruption-related offences.

“This step was taken after my office received the necessary documentation and clarifications from the Office of the Special Prosecutor,” he stated, noting that his outfit had completed its part of the legal process by transmitting the request to U.S. authorities.

According to the Attorney-General, the matter now rests with the United States judicial system to determine whether a sufficient legal basis has been established to grant the extradition request.

“It is now in the hands of the U.S. judicial authorities to ascertain whether the threshold for extradition has been met,” he explained.

He stressed that the government remains committed to accountability and due process, assuring the public that his office will continue to cooperate with international partners while respecting the legal procedures governing extradition under both Ghanaian and U.S. law.

Meanwhile, Attorney General and Minister for Justice Dr. Dominic Ayine has disclosed that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has hired top American lawyers with much experience to challenge his extradition to Ghana.

Dr. Ayine made the revelation on Thursday, December 18, 2025, during the government’s Accountability Series after the Office had formally submitted an extradition request to US authorities.

“The person who is the subject of an extradition will fight it in court. I have been informed that Mr Ofori-Atta has hired some of the top lawyers in the US with extensive experience to defend him,” Dr Ayine said, noting that the development does not intimidate Ghanaian authorities.

He explained that US extradition proceedings are conducted through the federal court system and involve multiple layers of judicial review.

“He has the right to challenge any decision through the federal district court, the circuit court and, ultimately, the US Supreme Court if he is dissatisfied,” Dr Ayine added.

Although he acknowledged that the legal battle could be lengthy, the Attorney-General expressed confidence in the request for Ofori-Atta’s extradition.