NIB, EOCO probe Ofori-Atta: Finance Czar under triple siege

Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is facing an unprecedented wave of legal action, as both the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) have joined forces to investigate alleged financial misconduct during his tenure. Declared a wanted man by the two state agencies, Ofori-Atta is now at the centre of one of the most high-profile probes into a former government official in recent Ghanaian history.

According to sources close to the investigations, EOCO and NIB are working independently but are sharing intelligence that points to potential breaches in financial procedures, misapplication of funds, and questionable international transactions under Ofori-Atta’s leadership at the Finance Ministry.

OSP struggles lead to reinforcement

This development follows months of stalled attempts by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to have Mr. Ofori-Atta answer questions about alleged misconduct. The OSP’s inability to secure his cooperation has seemingly triggered the involvement of EOCO and NIB, amplifying the state’s legal machinery against the former finance chief.

The new phase of investigations represents a significant turning point, as multiple state institutions now appear aligned in their effort to hold Ofori-Atta accountable.

Deputy A-G confirms extradition plans

In an exclusive with JoyNews, monitored by African Editors, Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai confirmed that extradition processes are actively underway. He disclosed that Ofori-Atta is believed to be outside Ghana, prompting the government to initiate diplomatic and legal efforts to bring him back.

“The arrest comes in many forms. You can arrest him and keep him temporarily, but beyond that, there must be a formal extradition process,” Srem-Sai explained.

Red notice not enough: Legal complexities of extradition

Clarifying the nuances of international law, Justice Srem-Sai noted that the issuance of a Red Notice does not automatically trigger an extradition unless the alleged offenses also constitute crimes in the host country.

“We make a formal application to the law enforcement agency in that country. They will place him under arrest, and he will go through extradition proceedings,” he said.

Efforts are currently focused on the United States, where Ofori-Atta is suspected to be residing. However, the Deputy AG did not rule out other jurisdictions, emphasizing that the location is still being verified.

Legal path ahead: Arrest, charges, and trial

Should the extradition be successful, Justice Srem-Sai outlined the next legal steps: Ofori-Atta would be arrested upon arrival in Ghana, cautioned, and formally charged. The courts would then take over the process, including bail hearings and a potential full trial.

This legal roadmap suggests the government is prepared for a prolonged judicial process, one that could have significant political and institutional implications, given Ofori-Atta’s central role in shaping Ghana’s recent economic policies.

Public interest and political fallout

Public reaction has been swift and divided. While some view the probe as long overdue accountability, others see it as politically motivated, especially given Ofori-Atta’s close ties to the presidency. Nonetheless, the investigations signal a growing willingness by state institutions to probe even the most politically connected individuals.

The former minister’s fall from grace—once hailed as the architect of Ghana’s economic reforms—serves as a stark reminder of the thin line between power and accountability in public office.

As the NIB, EOCO, and the OSP coordinate with the Attorney General’s Department to bring Ofori-Atta back to Ghana, the case could become a landmark in the country’s fight against corruption. Whether it ends in prosecution or acquittal, the process itself will test the strength, independence, and resilience of Ghana’s legal and democratic institutions.