Ken Ofori-Atta, the former Finance Minister, is facing intensifying legal challenges as the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) have officially declared him wanted.
Reports suggest that both agencies have launched separate investigations into his financial dealings during his tenure, increasing scrutiny over his management of public funds.
This latest development comes as the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) continues efforts to get Mr. Ofori-Atta to respond to allegations of financial misconduct.
In an interview with JoyNews, Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai confirmed that the government has begun formal proceedings to extradite him from abroad.
“The arrest comes in many forms. You can arrest him and keep him temporarily, but beyond that, there must be a formal extradition process,” Justice Srem-Sai explained.
He clarified that being placed on a Red Notice does not automatically translate into an arrest warrant for extradition. The Office of the Attorney General is leading coordination efforts with foreign governments.
“We are currently in the process of taking steps to have him extradited to Ghana,” he stated. For a successful extradition, the alleged crimes under investigation must also be considered offenses in the country where Mr. Ofori-Atta is located. “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,” the Deputy Attorney General noted.
The government is currently working with U.S. law enforcement to locate him, while other jurisdictions are under consideration depending on his whereabouts.
Upon his return, Mr. Ofori-Atta will be arrested, cautioned, and formally charged. The legal process will then move forward, including possible bail considerations and trial.
The former minister had earlier been declared wanted by the OSP following repeated failed attempts to compel his appearance for questioning.
With EOCO and NIB now actively involved, the pressure on Ofori-Atta has significantly intensified.
Source: Prince Adu-Owusu
