The legal case involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has moved beyond an immigration matter following Ghana’s formal extradition request to the United States, according to the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The party’s Director of Legal Affairs, Edudzi Tameklo, says the development elevates the case into a full judicial process tied to alleged criminal proceedings.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Tameklo disclosed that a U.S. judge, during recent court proceedings, requested confirmation of Ghana’s extradition application. He explained that once an extradition request is submitted before a court, the issue ceases to be a routine immigration concern and becomes a matter of criminal law and international legal cooperation.
Mr. Tameklo noted that lawyers for Mr. Ofori-Atta had earlier informed the Office of the Special Prosecutor that the former minister was in the United States for medical treatment and had provided a timeline for his return. However, he said reports that Mr. Ofori-Atta later sought to adjust his immigration status raised doubts about his commitment to returning voluntarily to face the case.
He rejected claims of political persecution, stressing that the Special Prosecutor handling the matter was appointed while Mr. Ofori-Atta was still serving as Finance Minister. Mr. Tameklo added that Ghana’s 1992 Constitution requires accused persons to be tried in their presence, making the extradition request a necessary step to ensure accountability and due process.
