We Can’t Bring Ofori-Atta Back To Ghana– Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has stated that the Government of Ghana has no direct authority over the ongoing legal efforts to return former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to face trial, emphasizing that the matter is now firmly under the jurisdiction of the United States judicial system.

Speaking on March 30, 2026, during a Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations in Accra—an event attended by representatives from more than 160 groups—President Mahama addressed growing public concern about delays in securing Ofori-Atta’s extradition.

Concerns were raised by a representative of Arise Ghana, who warned that failure to extradite the former minister could undermine public confidence in the country’s justice system. In response, President Mahama made it clear that the executive branch has limited influence over proceedings outside its jurisdiction.

“I cannot comment on the extradition of our former finance minister because it is in a different jurisdiction and I have no control over it. It is all in the hands of the American judiciary,” he stated, underscoring the need to respect due process in the United States.

The President’s remarks come amid ongoing efforts by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration to secure Ofori-Atta’s return since assuming office in January 2025. Shortly after taking power, the government, through the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the Attorney-General’s Department, launched investigations into several high-profile financial dealings linked to Ofori-Atta’s tenure from 2017 to 2023.

Among the key issues under investigation is the controversial Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) revenue assurance contract, along with other procurement-related transactions that have drawn public scrutiny.

By late 2025, the OSP had filed numerous charges against Ofori-Atta and several associates, accusing them of corruption and causing significant financial loss to the state. As part of efforts to bring him back to Ghana, authorities initially secured an INTERPOL Red Notice, which was later removed, before proceeding with formal extradition requests submitted to U.S. authorities.

The situation became more complex following Ofori-Atta’s arrest on January 6, 2026, by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for alleged immigration violations after his visa was revoked. He has since been held at the Caroline Detention Facility, where he is contesting both deportation and Ghana’s extradition request.

President Mahama explained that the coexistence of immigration enforcement proceedings and extradition efforts has significantly complicated the case.

“There are two parallel issues. One is the extradition request by Ghana, and the other is the immigration issue. The arrest was made by ICE for violating immigration status, and there is also the additional issue of the extradition,” he said.

While the Ghanaian government continues to pursue his return, Ofori-Atta’s legal team has mounted a vigorous defence in the United States. His lawyers, including Frank Davies and U.S.-based counsel, argue that the former minister is the target of a politically motivated prosecution and may not receive a fair trial if extradited to Ghana.

They have also disclosed that Ofori-Atta is seeking permanent residency in the United States, a development that could further complicate legal proceedings and delay extradition.

The defence team has consistently rejected claims that he is a fugitive and has challenged the legal basis of the charges against him. They have raised concerns about procedural issues, political commentary surrounding the case, and prior developments such as the removal of the INTERPOL Red Notice.

According to his lawyers, due process in the United States must be fully respected, and their client will continue to contest both deportation and extradition through the American legal system.

Meanwhile, legal proceedings in Ghana have faced repeated delays due to Ofori-Atta’s absence. Prosecutors have informed the High Court in Accra that attempts to serve him with criminal summons and advance extradition processes are ongoing, resulting in multiple adjournments in cases involving him and several co-accused individuals.

The next significant development in the case is expected on April 27, 2026, when Ofori-Atta is scheduled to appear before an immigration court in Virginia. The outcome of that hearing could determine whether he remains in detention, is deported, or continues his legal battle to remain in the United States.