The issuance of a red notice unnecessary – Ken Ofori-Atta’s international lawyer

International lawyer Enayat Qasimi, representing former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, has described the ongoing GRA–SML case against his client as “politically motivated,” while stressing that Ofori-Atta is not evading justice.

In an interview with the BBC on December 24, 2025, Qasimi emphasised that Ofori-Atta is fully committed to complying with Ghanaian law and responding to any inquiries regarding his tenure as Finance Minister.

“He’s committed to fully complying with the laws of Ghana, and he’s fully committed to answering for anything that he did when he was Finance Minister. There’s absolutely no question about that. The question is, is he being given the rights that he’s guaranteed under Ghanaian law? He’s not. He’s never been,” Qasimi said.

The lawyer further noted that Ghanaian authorities were aware that Ofori-Atta was in the United States receiving treatment, making the issuance of a red notice unnecessary. “Ofori-Atta was receiving treatment in the US. They knew this all along. There was no purpose for issuing the red notice, but they went ahead and issued it,” he stated.

Ofori-Atta is now at the centre of an international legal dispute, with Ghanaian authorities formally requesting his extradition from the United States to face corruption-related charges. The allegations largely relate to contracts awarded between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and private firm Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).

Prosecutors, however, have rejected claims of political persecution, insisting that the charges are evidence-based and that Ofori-Atta failed to cooperate with investigations. The allegations include payments exceeding $1 million to SML without proof of performance, as well as a contract that prosecutors allege was illegally awarded.

The final decision on extradition now rests with US judicial authorities, who will assess whether there is sufficient legal basis for Ofori-Atta’s return to Ghana to face trial…CONTINUE MORE READING>>>