Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, a scholar of International Law and Human Rights at the University of Ghana’s School of Law, has suggested that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta may rely on a political persecution argument in his defence if the United States considers Ghana’s extradition request.
Speaking on the implications of the proceedings, Prof. Appiagyei-Atua told JoyNews, “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.”
The extradition request, formally submitted by Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, seeks to bring Ofori-Atta and his former Chief of Cabinet, Ernest Darko Akore, to face 78 corruption-related charges filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
The package was transmitted on 10 December 2025 via Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the United States Department of Justice.
Professor Appiagyei-Atua noted that while the U.S. judiciary will assess whether the legal threshold for extradition has been met, any claim of political persecution could complicate proceedings.
“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,” he explained.
The extradition process is now pending before American judicial authorities, who will decide the next steps in accordance with U.S. law.
The development continues to attract close attention from legal experts and observers monitoring Ghana’s high-profile international legal engagements.
About the Author
