The FBI has 'reportedly' cleared government's extradition request for Ken Ofori-Atta

The United States (US) government has reportedly given positive feedback on the extradition request for former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, who has been declared wanted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor and placed on the INTERPOL Red Notice database.

According to a report by myjoyonline.com, the US Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have indicated that ongoing processes against the former minister are legitimate.

The report indicated that sources of the media house at the US Embassy in Accra have indicated that the FBI and the State Department have concluded that the extradition request for Ofori-Atta does not amount to witch-hunting.

It was further stated in the report that foreign nationals in the US who believed that they are being witch-hunted by their home governments are to seek legal protection through various mechanisms under US immigration law.

Ken Ofori-Atta, who is believed to be in the US, was re-declared wanted by the OSP on February 12, 2025, and subsequently had an INTERPOL Red Notice issued for him.

The OSP is investigating the former minister for corruption-related offences in the following cases:

1. 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.

2. Termination of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC) for the Distribution, Loss Reduction, and Associated Network Improvement Project.

3. Procurement of contractors, materials, and payments related to the National Cathedral project.

4. Activities and payments associated with a contract awarded by the Ministry of Health (initially commenced by the Ministry for Special Development Initiatives) to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase and after-sales service and maintenance of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 305 CDI ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.

5. Payments and utilisation of funds from the Tax Refund Account of the Ghana Revenue Authority.

The Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice has also indicated that Ken Ofori-Atta is also being investigated by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) for similar allegations.

BAI/AE

Cheque Fraud EXPOSED: How it works and how to stay safe