The Government of Ghana has formally submitted an extradition request to authorities in the United States for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and his former Chief of Staff, Ernest Darko Akore, to face corruption and corruption-related charges brought by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, disclosed the development on Thursday, December 18, 2025, during the Government Accountability Series, confirming that all legal and procedural requirements for the extradition process have been completed by his office.
“This step was taken after my office received the necessary documentation and clarifications from the Office of the Special Prosecutor,” Dr Ayine stated, adding that the extradition request has now been formally transmitted to the United States authorities.
78 Corruption-Related Charges
According to the Attorney-General, Mr Ofori-Atta and Mr Akore are expected to answer to 78 alleged counts of corruption and corruption-related offences already filed by the OSP. Once the request was transmitted, Dr Ayine explained, the matter moved beyond the direct control of Ghanaian authorities.
“It is now in the hands of the U.S. judicial authorities to ascertain whether the threshold for extradition has been met,” he said.
Legal Process and Timeline
Dr Ayine revealed that his office acted on a formal request received from the OSP on November 19, 2025, seeking the initiation of extradition proceedings against the two former officials, who are believed to be residing in the United States.
A preliminary assessment conducted by an international unit within the Attorney-General’s Office identified gaps that required clarification to meet applicable legal and procedural standards. As a result, the office communicated these concerns to the OSP in a letter dated November 25, 2025, requesting additional documentation.
The OSP responded on December 9, 2025, providing the supplementary information needed to complete the extradition package. The finalized documents were then forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for onward transmission to the United States Department of Justice.
“At this point, it is left to the American judicial authorities to determine whether a sufficient basis exists for the two accused persons to be extradited to Ghana to stand trial,” Dr Ayine explained.
Commitment to Accountability and Due Process
The Attorney-General emphasized that the government remains committed to accountability, transparency, and due process, and will continue to cooperate fully with international partners while respecting the legal frameworks governing extradition under both Ghanaian and U.S. law.
Background to the Case
The extradition request follows criminal charges filed by the OSP on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, against Mr Ofori-Atta and seven others over alleged corruption in dealings involving Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).
The other accused persons include Ernest Darko Akore, Emmanuel Kofi Nti, Ammishaddai Owusu Amoah, Isaac Crenstil, Kwadwo Damoah, Evans Adusei, and Strategic Mobilisation Limited itself.
Mr Ofori-Atta is expected to be tried in absentia, having failed to return to Ghana after travelling to the United States.
Earlier, on October 30, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng disclosed that investigations had uncovered evidence of serious financial irregularities involving senior officials of the Ministry of Finance, the Ghana Revenue Authority, and individuals linked to SML.
He further announced that the OSP would seek to recover GH₵125 million from Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited, describing the amount as unjust enrichment obtained unfairly at the expense of the state.
“As part of the process, the OSP will seek to recover the financial loss caused to the Republic from the persons listed,” Mr Agyebeng said.
The extradition request marks a significant step in Ghana’s anti-corruption drive, as authorities intensify efforts to ensure that alleged offenders face justice, regardless of their location.
