EOCO, NIB initiates process to extradite Ken Ofori-Atta from abroad

Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is facing growing legal challenges, as both the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) have declared him wanted.

The two state agencies are said to have launched separate investigations into Mr. Ofori-Atta’s financial dealings during his time in office, marking a significant escalation in the scrutiny over how he managed the nation’s finances.

This comes as the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) continues its efforts to get Mr. Ofori-Atta to respond to allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure.

In an exclusive interview with JoyNews, Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai confirmed that the government has started the process to extradite Mr. Ofori-Atta from abroad, where he is currently believed to be.

“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.

“So the fact that you are on the Red Notice is not automatic that there is an arrest warrant for which you will be extradited.”

He added that the Attorney General’s Office is now working with foreign governments to carry out the extradition.

“We are currently in the process of taking steps to have him extradited to Ghana,” he said.

For the extradition to succeed, the Deputy Attorney General explained that the crimes Mr. Ofori-Atta is being investigated for must also be considered offences in the country where he 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,” he stated.

“We are in the process with law enforcement in the U.S. to actively look for him,” Justice Srem-Sai added, noting that other countries are also being considered depending on where he is eventually found.

If brought back to Ghana, Mr. Ofori-Atta will be arrested, cautioned, and officially charged. From there, the legal process will continue with the possibility of bail and a full trial.

The former Finance Minister was earlier declared wanted by the OSP after several unsuccessful attempts to get him to appear for questioning. Now, with EOCO and NIB also involved, the pressure on Ofori-Atta has intensified.