The United States government has reportedly given positive feedback on Ghana’s extradition request for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. According to sources, the US Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have deemed the request legitimate, paving the way for potential extradition proceedings.
Ofori-Atta, who is believed to be in the US, has been declared wanted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and placed on the INTERPOL Red Notice database. The OSP is investigating him over alleged corruption-related offenses, including:
– Contractual Arrangements with SML: The contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority, aimed at enhancing revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and the minerals and metals resources value chain.
– National Cathedral Project: Procurement of contractors, materials, and payments related to the National Cathedral project.
– Ambulance Purchase: Activities and payments associated with a contract awarded by the Ministry of Health for the purchase and after-sales service and maintenance of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 305 CDI ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.
The FBI’s clearance indicates that the agency is satisfied with the seriousness of the charges against Ofori-Atta and does not consider the extradition request a witch hunt. However, Ofori-Atta’s legal team may still contest the extradition in court, citing human rights abuses and persecution.
The extradition process can be lengthy, depending on various factors, including court proceedings and diplomatic negotiations between the US and Ghanaian governments.