OSP Clarifies Distinction Between U.S. Immigration Proceedings and Criminal Case Against Ofori-Atta

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has taken note of a Transcript of Hearing purportedly emanating from an Immigration Court in the United States involving Mr. Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, which is being circulated by some media houses, suggesting that Mr. Ofori-Atta has not been credibly charged in Ghana or credibly shown to have engaged in any wrongdoing in Ghana.

 

The OSP stated on 16 June 2026 that it is not involved in immigration hearings in the United States involving Mr. Ofori-Atta, and that the OSP’s involvement relates to extradition proceedings against Mr. Ofori-Atta through the Attorney-General, as the central authority.

 

The OSP reiterates that the extradition packet is not before the immigration court. The credibility or otherwise of the criminal charges against Mr. Ofori-Atta is a matter for determination by the courts in Ghana, which have jurisdiction to determine his guilt or innocence. Such matters are not determined by an immigration court in the United States.

 

The OSP states that it is important to distinguish between three separate legal proceedings involving Mr. Ofori-Atta:

 

• United States immigration proceedings, which concern Mr. Ofori-Atta’s immigration status in the United States.

  
  

• Extradition proceedings in the United States, which would determine whether Mr. Ofori-Atta should be surrendered to Ghana under the relevant extradition treaty.

  
  

• The criminal prosecution of Mr. Ofori-Atta in Ghana for corruption and corruption-related offences before the High Court, Accra.

  
  

 

 

The OSP reiterates that Mr. Ofori-Atta remains the subject of criminal proceedings in Ghana, which are before the High Court, Accra. A valid warrant of arrest has been issued by the High Court, Accra, and Mr. Ofori-Atta remains a fugitive from justice in Ghana. He is required to submit himself to the jurisdiction of the High Court, Accra, to answer the criminal charges pending against him.

 

The criminal proceedings in Ghana shall continue in accordance with applicable law and the directives of the High Court, Accra, whether or not Mr. Ofori-Atta is present in Ghana.

 

Mr. Ofori-Atta remains the subject of criminal proceedings in Ghana, and there exists a valid warrant of arrest issued by the High Court, Accra. Mr. Ofori-Atta remains a fugitive from justice in Ghana, and he is required to submit himself before the High Court in Ghana to answer the criminal charges against him.