Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine has addressed questions from the media about the principle of reciprocity in extradition, following Ghana’s formal request for the extradition of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and his chief of staff, Ernest Darko Akore, from the United States.
The announcement was made during the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
Journalists asked whether Ghana could expect a mutual arrangement similar to the U.S. extradition of Ghanaians wanted abroad.
Dr. Ayine responded, “I would have been very happy to hand over Abu Trica, as I have done, and then get Ofori-Atta quickly in return. But usually, the extradition proceedings take place in a court of competent jurisdiction.”
The Attorney General clarified that while Ghana and the U.S. operate under a 1931 extradition treaty, signed originally between the U.S. and Great Britain when Ghana was a colony, extradition is not automatic. Legal standards must be met, including sufficient evidence and assurance that the accused will be fairly treated:
“If you cannot show by your extradition packet, the one that I have sent to the U.S., that there is sufficient evidence to come to a reasonable conclusion that a crime has been committed… extradition may not be granted.”
Dr. Ayine emphasized that the Ghanaian government has completed all necessary legal steps to facilitate Ofori-Atta’s return:
“On behalf of the government of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, we have taken the requisite steps to bring him to Ghana to face trial.”
Ofori-Atta and seven others face 78 charges filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, relating to alleged corruption and procurement-related offenses tied to revenue assurance contracts awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
