Ofori-Atta Bond Case Stalls: Hearings Delayed Amidst High-Stakes Legal Drama

Published 1 hour ago2 minute read
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Ofori-Atta Bond Case Stalls: Hearings Delayed Amidst High-Stakes Legal Drama

Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta's bond application continues to face delays, with a new court date in mid-March now being considered, following an anticipated February 19 sitting that concluded without any substantive hearing. Frank Davies, a member of Ofori-Atta's defence team, clarified that the proceedings on that day were limited to a brief procedural filing from the US Department of Justice. This filing merely stated that extradition proceedings had been requested, but crucially, its contents were not disclosed, and no supporting documentation was presented in open court. Consequently, the presiding judge was unable to rule on Ofori-Atta's request for temporary release, leaving the former minister's detention status unresolved for at least another few weeks.

Despite the setback, Davies expressed cautious optimism, describing the mid-March development as "some good update" and suggesting the defence team sees this upcoming sitting as a meaningful opportunity to finally obtain a ruling. Ofori-Atta has been in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since January 6, 2026, and is currently held at the Caroline Detention Facility in Bowling Green, Virginia. He had travelled to the United States in early 2025 for medical treatment for a chronic liver condition, when the political landscape in Ghana shifted following the December 2024 general elections.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) subsequently charged Ofori-Atta with corruption and financial misconduct, specifically in relation to the controversial Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) revenue assurance contract. The OSP confirmed in late February that Ghana's formal extradition package, including the charge sheet and summons, had been transmitted to US authorities. This move now places the case under the purview of both the US Department of Justice and the immigration court handling Ofori-Atta's detention. His legal team has consistently maintained that the charges are politically motivated, a position that appeared to gain traction when INTERPOL permanently removed a Red Notice previously issued against Ofori-Atta. INTERPOL's Commission for the Control of Files cited violations of its political neutrality rules, referencing polarized political statements made by Ghanaian officials.

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