The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has disclosed that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has engaged highly experienced legal practitioners in the United States to challenge efforts to extradite him to Ghana.

Dr Ayine said his office is fully prepared to confront what could become a prolonged legal contest in the US courts, stressing that the government remains resolute in its bid to have the former minister return home to face prosecution.

Speaking on Thursday, December 18, during the Government Accountability Series, the Attorney-General said he recently learned of Mr Ofori-Atta’s legal strategy and is unfazed by it.

“I was informed just yesterday that he has retained some of the most experienced lawyers in the United States. I am not afraid at all,” Dr Ayine said. “What this means is that there will be litigation in the federal courts. If the district court rules against us, the matter will move to the circuit court, and if that also goes against us, he is entitled to appeal to the US Supreme Court.”

Dr Ayine cautioned the public against expecting an immediate outcome, explaining that extradition processes are often lengthy.

“I cannot promise that he will be here tomorrow or the next day. Accountability demands that we are honest and transparent with the people. This is the reality of the situation,” he said, adding that the Mahama administration has taken all the necessary legal steps to ensure Mr Ofori-Atta is brought back to Ghana to stand trial.

The Attorney-General further appealed directly to the former minister, urging him to return voluntarily.

“If I were in his position, this is my country. I would take the next available flight and come home. Under my supervision, he will be treated fairly, accorded due process, and prosecuted like any other citizen,” he assured.

Dr Ayine also confirmed that his office has formally initiated extradition proceedings for both Mr Ofori-Atta and Ernest Darko Akore, a former Chef de Cabinet at the Ministry of Finance.

He disclosed that the extradition request was submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 10, 2025, for onward transmission to the United States Department of Justice.