Credibility of criminal charges against Ofori-Atta to be determined by courts in Ghana not US immigration court - OSP
The credibility or otherwise of the criminal charges against former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, would be determined by the courts in Ghana, which have jurisdiction to determine his guilt or innocence, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has stated.
The OSP was reacting to a press release by Mr Ofori-Atta's lawyers that stated that the criminal charges levelled against him in Ghana were "not credible," which is why the United States Immigration Court has given the green light to his application for permanent residency in the United States.
According to the OSP, a decision by a United States immigration court relating to Ofori-Atta does not affect the criminal charges brought against him in Ghana.
The OSP said it was not involved in the immigration proceedings in the United States concerning Mr Ofori-Atta and that its involvement relates only to extradition proceedings through the Attorney-General, acting as the central authority.
The OSP explained that the extradition request is not before the immigration court and that the validity of the criminal charges against Mr Ofori-Atta would be determined by the courts in Ghana, which have jurisdiction to decide the matter.
It also stated that Mr Ofori-Atta remains a citizen of Ghana and is still subject to extradition should a United States extradition court make such a determination.
Mr Ofori-Atta has been charged in connection with decisions taken during his tenure as Finance Minister, including matters linked to Strategic Management Limited (SML) and the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme.
Mr Ofof-Atta's lawyers, Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline & Partners on Tuesday [June 16, 2026], announced his application for a change in his immigration status has been approved, making it possible for him to apply for permanent residency in the US.
According to the law firm, the court heard evidence relating to actions taken by the OSP, including its earlier decision to declare Mr Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice.
The firm said Mr Ofori-Atta was declared a fugitive at a time he was undergoing medical treatment in the United States and while his lawyers were in contact with investigators in Ghana.
