Ken Ofori-Atta’s fate to be determined by Ghanaian Courts not the USA – OSP

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has clarified that ongoing legal processes concerning former Finance Minister, Mr Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, will be determined by the courts of Ghana and not by immigration proceedings in the United States.

In a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the OSP said it had taken note of media reports and a publication attributed to a Ghanaian law firm suggesting that Mr. Ofori-Atta had been granted permanent residency in the United States following an immigration court finding which allegedly questioned the credibility of criminal charges filed against him in Ghana.

The OSP, however, firmly dismissed any implication that such developments in the United States affect criminal proceedings in Ghana, stressing that it is not a party to immigration hearings involving Mr. Ofori-Atta abroad.

According to the Office, its mandate relates strictly to extradition proceedings being pursued through the Attorney-General, who serves as Ghana’s central authority in such matters.

“The extradition packet is not before the immigration court,” the OSP noted, adding that any determination regarding the credibility of charges against Mr. Ofori-Atta remains solely within the jurisdiction of Ghanaian courts.

The Office further emphasized that the legal processes in Ghana remain independent and unaffected by foreign immigration rulings, insisting that the merits of the criminal allegations will be tested only before competent courts in Ghana.

It also maintained that Mr. Ofori-Atta remains a Ghanaian citizen and is still subject to extradition proceedings should the relevant court in the United States approve such a request.

The clarification comes amid growing public debate and media speculation regarding the former minister’s legal status abroad and its possible implications for domestic investigations.

The OSP, headed by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, reiterated its commitment to pursuing the matter in accordance with Ghanaian law and through established international legal cooperation channels.