Ofori-Atta remains fugitive from justice despite US court ruling — OSP

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has reiterated that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta remains a fugitive from justice in Ghana, insisting that proceedings in a United States immigration court do not determine the validity of corruption charges pending against him.

The statement follows comments by US Immigration Judge David Gardey, who said allegations filed by the OSP lacked credible evidence of criminal wrongdoing in the immigration proceedings, leading to the approval of Mr Ofori-Atta’s permanent residency application.

However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, July 21, the OSP said its involvement in the matter concerns extradition proceedings being pursued through the Attorney-General, and not Mr Ofori-Atta’s immigration case in the United States.

The Office maintained that the US immigration court’s decision does not affect the criminal proceedings or allegations against the former minister in Ghana.

“The OSP reiterates that the extradition packet is not before the immigration court. The credibility or otherwise of the criminal charges against Mr Ofori-Atta is a matter for determination by the courts in Ghana, which have jurisdiction to determine his guilt or innocence,” the statement said.

The anti-corruption agency explained that there are three separate legal processes involving Mr Ofori-Atta: U.S. immigration proceedings concerning his immigration status, extradition proceedings that could determine whether he should be surrendered to Ghana, and the criminal prosecution currently before the High Court in Accra.

The OSP maintained that Mr Ofori-Atta remains subject to criminal proceedings in Ghana and that a valid warrant of arrest issued by the High Court remains in force.

“Mr Ofori-Atta remains a fugitive from justice in Ghana, and he is required to submit himself to the jurisdiction of the High Court, Accra, to answer the criminal charges pending against him,” the statement said.

The OSP further stated that the criminal proceedings against the former minister will continue in accordance with Ghana’s laws and directives of the High Court, regardless of whether he is present in Ghana.