OSP Dismisses Claims US Court Questioned Ofori-Atta Charges
The Office of the Special Prosecutor says it has no involvement in US immigration proceedings and insists that only Ghanaian courts can determine the credibility of charges against former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
- OSP rejects claims that a US court questioned the credibility of charges against Ofori-Atta
- Agency clarifies it is not involved in US immigration proceedings, only extradition processes through the Attorney-General
- OSP insists Ghanaian courts alone will determine the merits of the criminal case
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has dismissed reports suggesting that a United States immigration court questioned the credibility of criminal charges against former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta.
In a statement, the OSP said it had taken note of media publications and reports by a Ghanaian law firm claiming that Mr Ofori-Atta had been granted permanent residency in the United States after an immigration court allegedly cast doubt on charges filed against him in Ghana.
The anti-corruption body clarified that it is not involved in any immigration proceedings concerning the former Finance Minister in the United States.
It explained that its mandate relates only to extradition processes being pursued through the Attorney-General, who serves as Ghana’s central authority in such matters.
According to the OSP, the question of whether the charges against Mr Ofori-Atta are credible lies solely within the jurisdiction of Ghanaian courts.
“The OSP states that it is not involved in immigration hearings in the United States involving Mr Ofori-Atta. The OSP’s involvement is in respect of extradition proceedings against Mr Ofori-Atta through the Attorney-General as the central authority,” the statement noted.
It further added that the extradition documents are not before any immigration court and that only Ghanaian courts have the authority to determine the guilt or innocence of the former minister.
The OSP also stressed that Mr Ofori-Atta remains a Ghanaian citizen and is subject to extradition proceedings should a competent United States court approve his return to Ghana.
The clarification comes amid ongoing public debate over legal actions involving the former Finance Minister and efforts by the OSP to secure his return to face investigations.
The Office reiterated its commitment to pursuing the matter through appropriate legal channels and urged the public to distinguish between immigration proceedings and extradition processes.
