Pressure group Arise Ghana has petitioned the United States Embassy in Accra, demanding the extradition of former Finance Minister Ken Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta to Ghana to face accountability over alleged corruption and financial mismanagement during his tenure.
The petition was presented after days of protests by members of the group at the US Embassy. The demonstrators, dressed in red and black, insisted that Mr. Ofori-Atta should not be allowed to remain outside the country while serious allegations against him are being investigated by state authorities.
Speaking after the petition was submitted, a leading member of Arise Ghana, Hopson Adoye, said the group’s action was driven by the need to uphold justice and restore public confidence in governance.
“We are here to demand that the United States government cooperates fully with the Ghanaian authorities to ensure that Ken Ofori-Atta is returned home to face the law,” he said. “No individual should be allowed to loot the resources of this country and then seek refuge elsewhere. Accountability must be enforced without fear or favour.”
Convener of Arise Ghana, Bernard Mornah, also stressed that the protest was meant to draw international attention to what the group describes as delays in the extradition process.
“Our presence here is to send a clear message that Ghanaians will not sit quietly while justice is delayed,” Mr. Mornah stated. “If Ken Ofori-Atta has no case to answer, then he should come back home and clear his name. But if there are cases against him, he must face them like every other citizen.”
He added that the group would continue to apply pressure until concrete steps are taken to ensure the former finance minister’s return to Ghana.
The demand for extradition is linked to ongoing investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor into several financial transactions and contracts approved during Mr. Ofori-Atta’s time as Finance Minister. The investigations form part of the state’s broader efforts to address allegations of corruption and economic mismanagement.
Mr. Ofori-Atta is currently reported to be in the custody of US immigration authorities, with legal proceedings ongoing. Discussions surrounding his possible extradition to Ghana are said to be taking place through diplomatic and legal channels.
While the actions by Arise Ghana have attracted mixed reactions from the public, the group maintains that its protest is in the national interest and aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.
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