US immigration proceedings do not affect Ofori-Atta extradition case -OSP

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has moved to clarify reports suggesting that legal proceedings in the United States have called into question criminal charges brought in Ghana against former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta.

The clarification follows media reports and a publication attributed to a Ghanaian law firm alleging that Mr Ofori-Atta had been granted permanent residency in the US, and that a US immigration court had raised concerns over the credibility of the charges filed against him in Ghana.

In a statement, the OSP said it was not involved in any immigration proceedings in the United States and rejected any suggestion that such processes had a bearing on its case.

It stressed that extradition proceedings concerning Mr Ofori-Atta are being handled through Ghana’s Attorney-General, who serves as the central authority in international legal cooperation matters.

According to the OSP, no extradition documentation relating to the former minister is before any US immigration court, adding that any findings in that jurisdiction “cannot be interpreted as findings on the substance or credibility” of criminal charges in Ghana.

The office further emphasised that questions of criminal liability remain solely within the jurisdiction of Ghana’s courts, which are constitutionally mandated to determine guilt or innocence.

“The credibility or otherwise of the criminal charges against Mr Ofori-Atta will be determined by the courts in Ghana, who have jurisdiction over the matter,” the statement said.

The OSP also confirmed that Mr Ofori-Atta remains a Ghanaian citizen and could still be subject to extradition should a competent US court approve a request for his surrender.

It added that any immigration-related outcome in the United States does not alter his legal status under Ghanaian law or affect ongoing efforts to secure his return to face trial.

The clarification comes amid heightened public interest in the case following unverified reports linking US immigration proceedings to Ghana’s criminal investigations.

The OSP said it will continue to pursue all lawful steps under Ghana’s extradition framework and international cooperation agreements.