Ken Ofori-Atta’s Extradition: FBI Clears First Major Hurdle

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The accused person, Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta

The Government of Ghana’s efforts to haul in former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, to account for his stewardship in the Nana Akufo-Addo-led administration, have received a boost following indications by sources at the US Department of Justice and FBI that the pursuit cannot amount to a witch-hunt.

Sources at the US Embassy in Accra have told Myjoyonline.com that the principal federal law enforcement agency has satisfied itself that what Ken Ofori-Atta is being requested to respond to in Ghana is legitimate and has nothing to do with witch-hunting.

Foreign nationals in the United States who claim persecution or political witch-hunting by their home governments may seek legal protection through various mechanisms under U.S. immigration law and international human rights obligations.

Ken Ofori-Atta, who is seeking medical care in the US, has accused the government, particularly the Office of the Special Prosecutor, of abusing his fundamental human rights as the Office seeks to interrogate him over allegations of financial malfeasance and causing financial loss to the state.

The OSP for instance, after twice declaring Ken Ofori-Atta a wanted man and a fugitive from justice following his failure to honour invitations to attend the Office for interrogation, has applied for his extradition through the competent authority, the Office of the Attorney General and Minisiter for Justice.

Extradition is used to bring persons wanted by law enforcement agencies but cannot be found within the jurisdiction, or have failed to appear before such bodies. It is a full legal process that requires the cooperation and agreement of the host nation and its investigative and judicial processes to accede to the request.

The extradition process can take time depending on a number of factors, as the suspect is at liberty to even contest the extradition in court, and if the US authorities are satisfied that the invitation is in good faith.

Apart from its main roles in the US, including investigating major crimes such as terrorism, cybercrime, organised crime, public corruption, white-collar crimes, and violent crimes, as well as supporting local and state law enforcement with forensic and intelligence tools, its Legal Attachés in embassies around the world also coordinate international criminal investigations.

Ken Ofori-Atta has filed several suits to overturn his declaration as a wanted person, and also to fight what he says is the abuse of his human rights.