The Office of the Attorney-General has clarified that the extradition of Ken Ofori-Atta from the United States cannot proceed until the investigative case file (docket) is submitted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Dr Justice Srem-Sai has clarified that the Attorney-General’s Office is the only authority legally empowered to initiate extradition requests under Ghanaian law.
However, he noted that such a request can only proceed once the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) provides a complete investigative dossier for submission to U.S. authorities.
Despite several formal reminders, the AG’s Office says it has not received the required file from the OSP, making the extradition process legally non-viable at this stage.
Dr Srem-Sai further explained that while the OSP has obtained an INTERPOL Red Notice for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, that notice “is not an extradition procedure” and cannot replace the formal legal process.
He said the AG’s Office has requested a comprehensive file, including all charges, evidence, investigative reports, and the legal basis for extradition, just as Ghana would require in reverse from a foreign partner.
While the AG’s Office points to the missing dossier as the main delay, the OSP has denied any obstruction, citing ongoing evidence gathering and insisting there is no inter-agency conflict.
The situation highlights the constitutional separation of roles: the OSP investigates high-level corruption, while the AG oversees prosecutions and international legal coordination.
Legal experts note that under Ghanaian law, extradition requires strict procedural compliance, beginning with submission through the AG’s Office before progressing to diplomatic and judicial review.
Until that process is properly triggered, no formal request can be made.
The development means Mr Ofori-Atta’s extradition is likely to face further delay, with attention now focused on the OSP to finalise and transmit the case file.
The case is being closely watched for its implications on how Ghana handles high-profile corruption and cross-border legal cooperation.
Source: Myxyzonline.com/J.W. Quarm
