Ofori-Atta’s extradition isn’t political witch-hunt —FBI
A crucial endorsement from the FBI
The United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has reportedly cleared a major roadblock in Ghana’s ongoing efforts to extradite former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, by affirming that the case against him does not constitute a political witch-hunt. Sources close to the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI have confirmed that the extradition request made by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is viewed as legitimate and based on due process, rather than political persecution.
This development comes amid increasing scrutiny over the former minister’s stewardship of Ghana’s economy during his tenure under the Nana Akufo-Addo administration. Ofori-Atta is currently in the United States receiving medical care but is also facing allegations of financial malfeasance and causing financial loss to the state.
U.S. Legal protections and the witch-hunt defense
In similar cases, individuals facing legal trouble in their home countries while residing in the United States often seek protection under U.S. immigration laws by claiming political persecution or human rights violations. However, in this instance, the FBI’s initial review has found no evidence to support Ofori-Atta’s assertions that Ghana’s government is abusing the justice system for political retribution.
The U.S. Embassy in Accra, according to sources cited by Myjoyonline.com, has also expressed confidence that the Ghanaian request meets the legal thresholds necessary for international cooperation on criminal matters.
Extradition: A legal, not political, process
The Office of the Special Prosecutor, in its push for accountability, has twice declared Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice after he failed to respond to formal invitations for questioning. In response, the OSP has channeled its extradition request through the appropriate governmental body — the Office of the Attorney General and Minister for Justice.
Extradition is governed by a series of complex legal protocols and international treaties. It is not an automatic process. The requesting country must provide credible evidence, and the accused retains the right to challenge the extradition in court. U.S. authorities must also be convinced that the request is made in good faith and not for ulterior motives.
Ofori-Atta’s legal maneuvers and human rights claims
While the FBI may have cleared the path for extradition on the U.S. end, Ken Ofori-Atta is actively pursuing legal remedies to block the move. He has filed multiple lawsuits contesting the validity of the OSP’s actions — from his designation as a wanted person to broader claims of fundamental human rights violations.
According to his legal team, the government’s approach undermines his dignity and rights, particularly as he is undergoing medical treatment. These arguments could potentially prolong the extradition process, especially if they gain traction within the U.S. legal system.
The Role of FBI and U.S. Legal Attachés abroad
The FBI plays a key role in international law enforcement collaboration through its Legal Attaché offices at U.S. embassies, including the one in Accra. These offices facilitate cross-border criminal investigations, provide intelligence support, and help assess the merit and legality of extradition requests.
With this preliminary endorsement from the FBI, Ghanaian authorities have now cleared one of the most significant hurdles in bringing the former finance chief back to face justice. However, the legal battle is far from over, and all eyes are now on the U.S. judicial system and how it will interpret Ofori-Atta’s human rights claims in the context of international law.
A test of Ghana’s anti-corruption Drive
As Ghana intensifies efforts to combat corruption and reinforce public accountability, the Ofori-Atta extradition case has become a litmus test. Will the justice system prevail amid accusations of political interference? Or will the former minister successfully paint the process as a vendetta against his tenure?
With the FBI’s preliminary backing, the Ghanaian government has gained critical international legitimacy. Whether this translates into a successful extradition remains to be seen, but the signal is clear — the world is watching.
