Professor of International Law at the University of Ghana, Prof. Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, has urged former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, to voluntarily return to Ghana to address issues surrounding his stewardship.
Mr. Ofori-Atta has been remanded in the custody of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a closed-door immigration hearing held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, pending further proceedings on his bail application.
Speaking to Tutuwaa Danso on Starr Today, Prof. Appiagyei-Atua said the ongoing extradition proceedings involving Mr. Ofori-Atta could further damage his personal reputation and Ghana’s international image.
He explained that even if the matter reaches the Supreme Court in the United States and Mr. Ofori-Atta is permitted to remain there while the case is ongoing, it would not mark the end of his legal challenges, as the extradition process would still continue.
Prof. Appiagyei-Atua noted that the grounds for Mr. Ofori-Atta’s potential return to Ghana are twofold; immigration-related proceedings and a separate extradition process.
READ: Attorney General optimistic about extradition of Ken Ofori-Atta
He advised the former Finance Minister to voluntarily return to Ghana, stating that the argument that he may not receive a fair hearing is far-fetched. According to him, Ghana’s criminal justice system upholds the principles of fair trial, and there has been no departure from these standards.
The professor expressed confidence that Mr. Ofori-Atta would receive a fair trial in Ghana and stressed that if the former minister believes he has committed no offence and that the allegations are politically motivated, he should return home and face the law.
He added that if Mr. Ofori-Atta has a strong case, the legal system will vindicate him. He therefore concluded that, rather than engage in prolonged legal battles in the United States, it would be in Mr. Ofori-Atta’s best interest to return to Ghana to answer the charges.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Benjamin Sackey
