The extradition of Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, to the United States could encounter significant legal obstacles if political motivations are raised, according to Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, an International Law and Human Rights expert at the University of Ghana School of Law.
Speaking in an interview on JoyNews on Saturday, December 12, Professor Appiagyei-Atua explained that while U.S. courts will focus on whether the technical and legal requirements for extradition have been met, claims of political persecution could complicate proceedings, especially in cases involving high-ranking officials.
“It is possible that Mr. Ofori-Atta may argue that the extradition request is politically motivated. Such claims are not uncommon in international extradition cases, particularly where high-ranking political figures are involved,” he noted. “The U.S. courts will examine both the procedural correctness of the submission and whether there are grounds to believe the request may be politically motivated.”
The extradition request, formally submitted by Ghana’s Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine, seeks to have Ofori-Atta and his former Chief of Cabinet, Ernest Darko Akore, brought to the United States to face 78 corruption-related charges filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor. The legal documents were transmitted on December 10, 2025, through Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the U.S. Department of Justice.
This move represents a significant step in the fight against corruption, signaling Ghana’s commitment to holding public officials accountable. However, as Professor Appiagyei-Atua warns, the extradition process could be prolonged if arguments about political motivation are introduced in U.S. courts.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
