OSP responds to US court reports, says Ken Ofori-Atta remains wanted in Ghana
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has clarified that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta remains the subject of ongoing criminal proceedings in Ghana, despite reports circulating from a United States immigration court suggesting that allegations against him lacked credible evidence.
In a public statement, the OSP said it had taken note of a transcript purportedly originating from an immigration hearing in the United States involving Ofori-Atta, which has been cited by some media outlets as indicating that the former minister had not been credibly charged or linked to wrongdoing in Ghana.
However, the anti-corruption agency stressed that the matters before the US immigration court are separate from the criminal proceedings and extradition processes currently underway.
OSP not involved in US immigration proceedings
The OSP stated that it is not a party to any immigration proceedings involving Ofori-Atta in the United States.
According to the statement, the Office's involvement relates solely to extradition efforts being pursued through Ghana's Attorney-General, who acts as the central authority in such matters.
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"The OSP stated on 16 June 2026 that it is not involved in immigration hearings in the United States involving Mr Ofori-Atta and that the OSP's involvement relates to extradition proceedings against Mr Ofori-Atta through the Attorney-General as the central authority."
The Office further noted that the extradition documents submitted by Ghana are not before the US immigration court and therefore cannot be assessed within those proceedings.
OSP outlines three separate legal processes.
The special prosecutor emphasised the need to distinguish between three different legal proceedings involving Ofori-Atta:
US immigration proceedings, which relate to his immigration status in the United States.
Extradition proceedings in the US, which would determine whether he should be returned to Ghana under applicable treaties.
Criminal prosecution in Ghana, where he faces corruption and corruption-related charges before the High Court in Accra.
"The credibility or otherwise of the criminal charges against Mr Ofori-Atta is a matter for determination by the courts in Ghana, which have jurisdiction to determine his guilt or innocence. Such matters are not determined by an immigration court in the United States."
Ofori-Atta remains wanted in Ghana.
The OSP reiterated that Ofori-Atta remains a defendant in criminal proceedings currently before the High Court in Accra.
According to the Office, a valid warrant for his arrest remains in force, and he is required to appear before the court to respond to the charges filed against him.
Mr Ofori-Atta remains the subject of criminal proceedings in Ghana, and there exists a valid warrant of arrest issued by the High Court, Accra. Mr Ofori-Atta remains a fugitive from justice in Ghana, and he is required to submit himself before the High Court in Ghana to answer the criminal charges against him."
The OSP added that the criminal proceedings in Ghana will continue in accordance with the law and directives of the High Court, regardless of whether Ofori-Atta is physically present in the country.
The Office's statement comes amid growing public interest following reports about a US immigration ruling concerning Ofori-Atta's residency status and comments regarding the evidence presented in corruption-related allegations against him.
Edem Kwame
Chief Editor
Edem Kwame is a staff journalist at GH News Media, where he covers sports, politics, news and current affairs with a sharp focus on Ghanaian and African football.
