Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua, an International Law and Human Rights expert at the University of Ghana School of Law, says the extradition request for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta could face challenges in U.S. courts if claims of political motivation are raised.
According to him, although U.S. courts will primarily determine whether the legal requirements for extradition have been satisfied, allegations of political persecution could complicate the process.
“It is possible that Mr. Ofori-Atta may argue that the extradition request is politically motivated. Such claims are not uncommon in international extradition cases, particularly where high-ranking political figures are involved.
“The U.S. courts will examine both the procedural correctness of the submission and whether there are grounds to believe the request may be politically motivated,” he said in an interview on JoyNews on Saturday, December 12.
The extradition request was formally submitted by Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine and seeks to have Ofori-Atta and his former Chief of Cabinet, Ernest Darko Akore, brought to the United States to face 78 corruption-related charges filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
The legal documents were transmitted on December 10, 2025, through Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the United States Department of Justice. The move marks a significant step in ongoing efforts to hold public officials accountable for alleged corruption at the highest levels of government.