The Office of the Special Prosecutor has disclosed that extradition proceedings have begun in the United States against former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, while US authorities have requested guidance on how to proceed with his co-accused, Ernst Darko Akore.
The update is connected to the case Republic v. Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta & 7 Others, which is currently before a court in Ghana.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, 26 February, the OSP explained that the court had requested clarification on the absence of the first and second accused persons — Mr Ofori-Atta (A1) and his Chief of Staff, Mr Akore (A2).
According to the OSP, the United States Department of Justice, acting through the Attorney-General, has sought advice on whether Mr Akore, a dual US-Ghanaian citizen, should be arrested before being served with a summons or whether the summons should be served first.
“The United States Department of Justice (DOJ), through the Attorney-General, has requested advice from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on whether to arrest Mr Akore prior to serving him with a summons, or to serve the summons before any arrest,” the statement said.
The OSP noted that it advised US authorities to proceed in line with their own legal framework.
“The OSP advised that US authorities should adopt the most expedient and judicious approach available under their laws,” it added.
On Mr Ofori-Atta’s case, the OSP revealed that the DOJ has confirmed receipt of the extradition documents.
“The DOJ confirmed receipt of the extradition packet and indicated that the summons and charge sheet have been transmitted to A1,” the post stated.
It further disclosed that two separate proceedings are currently pending against him in the United States — one relating to immigration violations and the other concerning extradition.
Despite these developments, the OSP stressed that proceedings in Ghana will continue as scheduled.
Meanwhile, prosecutors have refiled the charge sheet against the sixth accused person, Kwadwo Damoah (A6), following his earlier application before a different judge for his official titles to be properly stated.
As a result, the charges were read afresh to reflect his designation as “Hon. Col. (Rtd) Kwadwo Damoah”.
The case has been adjourned to 26 March 2026, with disclosures expected to continue during the adjournment period.
