The Government of Ghana’s efforts to haul in former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, to account for his stewardship in the Nana Akufo-Addo-led administration, have received a boost following indications by sources at the US Department of Justice and FBI that the pursuit cannot amount to a witch-hunt.
Sources at the US Embassy in Accra have told Myjoyonline.com that the principal federal law enforcement agency has satisfied itself that what Ken Ofori-Atta is being requested to respond to in Ghana is legitimate and has nothing to do with witch-hunting.
Foreign nationals in the United States who claim persecution or political witch-hunting by their home governments may seek legal protection through various mechanisms under U.S. immigration law and international human rights obligations.
Ken Ofori-Atta, who is seeking medical care in the US, has accused the government, particularly the Office of the Special Prosecutor, of abusing his fundamental human rights as the Office seeks to interrogate him over allegations of financial malfeasance and causing financial loss to the state.
The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), and the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) are also seeking to interrogate Ken Ofori-Atta over similar allegations.
The OSP for instance, after twice declaring Ken Ofori-Atta a wanted man and a fugitive from justice following his failure to honour invitations to attend the Office for interrogation, has applied for his extradition through the competent authority, the Office of the Attorney General and Minisiter for Justice.
Extradition is used to bring persons wanted by law enforcement agencies but cannot be found within the jurisdiction, or have failed to appear before such bodies. It is a full legal process that requires the cooperation and agreement of the host nation and its investigative and judicial processes to accede to the request.
