Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta could argue political persecution if the United States considers Ghana’s extradition request, according to Professor Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua of the University of Ghana’s School of Law.

Prof. Appiagyei-Atua, a scholar of International Law and Human Rights, explained that such a defence is not uncommon in similar international cases, especially involving prominent political figures. “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,” he told JoyNews.

The extradition request, submitted by Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, seeks to bring Ofori-Atta and his former Chief of Cabinet, Ernest Darko Akore, before a Ghanaian court to answer 78 corruption-related charges brought by the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs transmitted the request to the United States Department of Justice on December 10, 2025. Professor Appiagyei-Atua noted that the U.S. judiciary will scrutinize the request to determine if it meets the legal threshold for extradition.

However, he cautioned that a claim of political persecution could significantly complicate the proceedings. “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,” Prof. Appiagyei-Atua explained.

The matter is now before American judicial authorities, who will determine the next steps in line with U.S. law. Legal experts and observers are closely monitoring the high-profile international legal engagement.

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