We cannot request Ofori-Atta's extradition unless you have solid case, filed charges – AG explains delay

Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has clarified that the government cannot initiate an extradition request for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, who is currently reported to be in the United States, until formal charges are filed and a complete legal docket is prepared.

Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra, Dr. Ayine emphasized the importance of adhering to due process, especially in matters involving international extradition.

“When doing extradition, you cannot request unless you have a solid case — a docket that has been built. And in the case of the Americans, the practice is for you to have filed charges,” he explained.

According to Dr. Ayine, U.S. extradition protocols demand thorough documentation, including a formal bill of indictment, before any cooperation can begin. He cited a previous case involving Kojo Boateng, where Ghana received a detailed request from the U.S. Department of Justice only after a six-year investigation and formal charges.

“Without a docket, we cannot make the request. So we are still waiting for the docket. That is all I can say for now,” Dr. Ayine added.

Dr. Ayine further clarified that while the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) may be leading investigations into Ken Ofori-Atta’s conduct during his tenure, it is the Attorney General’s Department that handles extradition, and only after receiving a complete and charge-backed docket.

“I respect the autonomy of the Office of the Special Prosecutor, but we in the Attorney General’s Department cannot begin an extradition request until a docket is submitted,” he stated.