Ghana’s Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta wanted by NIB and EOCO in separate corruption probes and faces extradition to Ghana.
In another dramatic turn of events, Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, is now the subject of intensified scrutiny as the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) and the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) have launched separate corruption investigations against him.
Details of Ken Ofori-Atta Corruption Investigation in Ghana 2025
The announcement, made by Joy 97.7 FM on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 17:24 GMT, reveals that extradition processes are underway to bring Ofori-Atta back to Ghana, following his departure from the country in January 2025. Legal expert Dr. Justice Srem-Sai has confirmed these developments, marking a significant escalation in the multi-agency pursuit of the ex-minister, who has been absent amid mounting allegations.
The initiation of extradition proceedings signals a coordinated effort by Ghanaian authorities to address corruption allegations that extend beyond the ongoing case handled by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). Srem-Sai, a prominent figure in the legal community and Deputy Attorney General-designate, emphasized that these new investigations focus on matters separate from the OSP’s probe, which previously declared Ofori-Atta a fugitive in February 2025. This move comes just days after Interpol issued a red notice on June 6, 2025, placing the 66-year-old on an international wanted list for allegedly using public office for personal gain—a rare action, given Interpol issues only about 8,000 red notices globally each year.
Since leaving Ghana, Ofori-Atta has claimed to be receiving medical treatment abroad, a narrative supported by his legal team, who argue that prosecutors have disregarded his health-related absence. However, this justification has been met with skepticism by authorities, who note his failure to attend an OSP interview despite being summoned as a suspect. The former minister, who served from 2017 to 2024 under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, has remained silent on the allegations, leaving his current whereabouts undisclosed and fueling speculation about his next steps as extradition looms.
The news has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with X users expressing a mix of support and outrage. Some, like @General_K88, demand prosecution, insisting “the law must work,” while others, such as @Jerry1876722, criticize the timing, calling it “nonsense” to pursue Ofori-Atta after his departure. The government, under President John Mahama’s newly inaugurated administration, has vowed to recover over $20 billion in alleged misappropriated funds through Operation Recover All Loot, intensifying public pressure on authorities to act swiftly, including freezing Ofori-Atta’s assets, as suggested by @GOVCOMASHANTI
Historical Context of Allegations: Extradition Process for Ken Ofori-Atta Corruption Investigation in Ghana 2025
Ofori-Atta’s tenure as Finance Minister was marred by several high-profile controversies, providing a backdrop to the current investigations. The OSP has previously probed financial irregularities linked to the National Cathedral project and the procurement of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ambulances, costing Ghana $36 million, as highlighted in a 2022 Public Accounts Committee report. These scandals, coupled with the NPP’s electoral loss in December 2024, have shifted the political landscape, enabling Mahama’s administration to target corruption with renewed vigor, challenging claims that Ofori-Atta is a victim of political vendetta.
The extradition process for Ken Ofori-Atta corruption investigation in Ghana 2025 raises complex legal questions, with Dr. Srem-Sai previously describing the OSP’s fugitive declaration as “excessively harsh” in February 2025. This criticism underscores concerns about due process, especially as international cooperation via Interpol’s red notice could impact Ofori-Atta’s freedom of movement and reputation. Legal experts anticipate a protracted battle, with his team likely to contest the extradition, citing medical exemptions, while Ghanaian authorities prepare to leverage bilateral agreements to enforce his return.
As the clock ticks past 06:05 PM GMT on June 11, 2025, the world watches as Ghana navigates this high-stakes corruption saga. The outcome of the extradition process and the NIB and EOCO investigations could set a precedent for accountability in the region, with potential ramifications for Ghana’s political and economic stability. For now, Ofori-Atta’s fate hangs in the balance, as authorities work to bring him back to face justice, while his supporters and critics alike await the next chapter in this unfolding drama.
