US Embassy Explains Delay in Extraditing Ghanaian Suspects

The United States government has indicated that while open to extradition requests for Ghanaian fugitives, the process is likely to be lengthy and complex.

Rolf Olson, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Accra, made these remarks during a media engagement alongside William B. Stevens, Deputy Assistant Secretary for West Africa in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs. He explained that the U.S. operates with well-defined procedures and protocols when considering such requests.

Mr. Olson’s comments come amidst growing public concern over the delayed extradition of former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, who is wanted by the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng. The OSP has been pursuing Mr. Ofori-Atta since the beginning of the year, and his trial commenced in absentia on Thursday, December 11.

The Special Prosecutor’s office informed the court that Mr. Ofori-Atta and other accused individuals are currently outside Ghana, citing health reasons for their unavailability. However, the OSP affirmed it is utilizing all available legal avenues, including international cooperation, to secure their appearance.

A petition with over 3,100 signatures, started by US-based Ghanaian professor Stephen Kweku Asare on December 2nd, has been submitted to the US Embassy in Accra, urging the extradition of Mr. Ofori-Atta. The petition requests the Embassy to verify Mr. Ofori-Atta’s location and facilitate cooperation between US and Ghanaian authorities.

Addressing the possibility of US cooperation, Mr. Olson stated, “The process of evaluating an extradition request on the American side is very well-established and it is generally not very quick.” He further clarified, “But the door is always open to requests; there is no individual case that can be prejudged because US judges make the decision, so they have the ability to approve or disapprove a request.”

The U.S. has already extradited nine Ghanaians this year, primarily in cases related to romance scams, a prevalent transnational crime in the West African sub-region. This highlights the US’s commitment to addressing international criminal activity, but also underscores the rigorous legal process involved in extradition cases.

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