Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has suggested that efforts to extradite former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta from the United States to Ghana may face significant challenges due to his substantial business investments in the US economy.
Mr Kpebu made the remarks on the second day of the Arise Ghana picketing at the United States Embassy in Accra, where demonstrators are demanding the return of Mr Ofori-Atta to Ghana to face investigations over alleged financial mismanagement.
According to the lawyer, the former finance minister’s financial interests in the United States could complicate attempts to secure his deportation, stressing that extradition in such cases is not straightforward.
“Ofori-Atta has businesses in America; he has very large businesses there, so we should not think that he can easily be deported,” Mr Kpebu said.
He explained that the United States places a high value on foreign investment, noting that many countries and individuals invest heavily in the American economy.
“Americans also take loans from Saudi Arabia, and they value foreign investment. They owe a lot themselves, so when you invest and bring your money there, you help the country develop. Later, if you run into trouble, they may see it as a reason to assist you,” he stated.
Mr Kpebu argued that this reality emphasises the political complexity surrounding extradition cases, particularly those involving influential individuals with substantial financial stakes abroad.
“This is why the demonstration is important, because it makes them understand that we know they depend on foreign investment. Saudi Arabia has significant investments in America, Japan also has substantial interests there, and Ghanaians too—there are influential individuals with major investments in the United States,” he said.
He stressed that Arise Ghana’s protest is aimed at sending a clear message that financial influence should not override the rule of law.
“Because of this, what we want them to understand is that we do not accept such excuses. If a judge issues an order, he should be brought back. They should not cite his money or investments there as reasons for refusing to return him,” Mr Kpebu added.
Describing the matter as deeply political, the lawyer cautioned against assuming that a judicial order alone would guarantee Mr Ofori-Atta’s return.
“The issue is political. It is not as easy as saying the judge has ordered that he should be brought, so they will just bring him. No, it is much more difficult than that,” he said.
Mr Kpebu noted that sustained public pressure could influence the process, insisting that the protests are intended to raise awareness both locally and internationally.
“The more we speak about it, the more Americans will come to realise that most Ghanaians want the individual returned so that further issues do not arise. That is the objective. We need more people to understand that this is a political matter,” he stated.
He further announced his intention to continue participating in the Arise Ghana picketing until the group’s demands are met.
Meanwhile, a leading member and organiser of Arise Ghana, Listowell Nana Kusi-Poku, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the protest, saying members are prepared to sustain their action for as long as necessary.
He disclosed that the group has been divided into teams to carry out specific duties as part of the demonstration, which he said is aimed at pressuring the former finance minister to return to Ghana to face justice.
Mr Kusi-Poku stressed that the group believes no public official should be allowed to evade accountability, regardless of status or influence.
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