Extraditing Ken Ofori-Atta Will Take Time – Ag ayine
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Dec 18
Accra, Ghana- Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, says the process to extradite former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta from the United States to Ghana will take time and must follow strict legal procedures.
Answering questions asked by journalists present at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Thursday, Dr. Ayine explained that while Ghana expects cooperation from the United States, extradition is not automatic. He said extradition between Ghana and the U.S. is governed by a 1931 treaty, which was renewed after Ghana gained independence in 1957 and remains valid.
According to the Attorney-General, the treaty clearly outlines the conditions under which a person can be extradited, including whether the alleged offence falls under extraditable crimes and whether there is sufficient evidence to support the request. “Yes, the principle of reciprocity applies,” Dr. Ayine said, referring to Ghana’s recent extradition of cybercrime suspect Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica, to the United States.
He added, however, that reciprocity does not mean Ghana can immediately demand the return of Mr. Ofori-Atta.
Dr. Ayine explained that extradition cases are decided by courts, not governments alone. In the United States, such cases are handled by federal district courts, and the person involved has the right to challenge the process. “The person who is the subject of extradition will fight it in court,” he said.
Dr. Ayine disclosed that Mr. Ofori-Atta has hired experienced lawyers in the United States, which means the case could go through several levels of the U.S. judicial system, including appeals to higher courts. “I have been informed that he has hired some of the top lawyers in the United States. They are very experienced, but I am not afraid.” he stressed.
“If the district court says no, he can go to the circuit court. If the circuit court says no, he can go to the U.S. Supreme Court,” the Attorney-General explained. He reiterated that this legal process means extradition cannot happen immediately. “I cannot tell you that he will come tomorrow or the next day,” Dr. Ayine said.
Despite the challenges, the Attorney-General said the government has taken the necessary legal steps to bring Mr. Ofori-Atta back to Ghana to face trial. He also assured the public that Mr. Ofori-Atta would be treated fairly if extradited.
“Under my watch, he will not be treated unfairly,” Dr. Ayine said, adding that due process would be followed, just as in other high-profile cases currently before the courts.
Dr. Ayine concluded by urging Mr. Ofori-Atta to voluntarily return to Ghana to face the charges. “This is his home,” he said.
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