The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) have both designated former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as a wanted man, adding to his already mounting legal issues.
The two state agencies have announced separate and ongoing investigations into Ofori-Atta’s financial transactions during his tenure as Finance Minister, indicating increased scrutiny of his management of public funds.
This development comes as the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) continues to press Ofori-Atta to respond to inquiries regarding possible financial crimes.
The government has now initiated procedures to extradite Ofori-Atta from abroad, where he is currently believed to be located, Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai confirmed in an interview with JoyNews.
“The arrest comes in many forms. You can arrest him and keep him temporarily, but beyond that, there must be a formal extradition process,” Justice Srem-Sai explained.
“So, the fact that you are on a Red Notice does not automatically mean there is an arrest warrant for which you will be extradited.”
He emphasized that the Office of the Attorney General is leading the coordination of extradition efforts with other countries.
“We are currently taking steps to have him extradited to Ghana,” he stated.
According to the Deputy AG, the alleged crimes for which Ofori-Atta is under investigation must also be considered crimes in the country where he is currently located, for the extradition to be successful.
“We make a formal application to the law enforcement agency in that country. They will place him under arrest, and he will go through extradition proceedings,” myjoyonline.com quoted the Deputy AG as saying.
“We are working with law enforcement in the U.S. to actively locate him,” he revealed, adding that other jurisdictions are also being considered, depending on where Ofori-Atta is ultimately found.
He added that once Ofori-Atta arrives in Ghana, he will be taken into custody, cautioned, and prosecuted. The legal process will then proceed, including a trial and possible consideration for bail.
Previously, after months of unsuccessful attempts to get the former minister to appear for questioning, the OSP designated him as wanted. With the NIB and EOCO now actively involved, the pressure on Ofori-Atta has increased significantly.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
