The United States has extended gratitude to President John Mahama for his strong cooperation in combating cybercrime and facilitating extraditions.
According to the US, this collaboration between the two countries is an “extraordinary” one.
The US Chargé d’Affaires, Rolf Olson, who made the remarks, said. The collaboration in extraditing nine Ghanaians for alleged cybercrime is strong and commendable.
He was speaking at a roundtable discussion at the US Embassy in Accra on Friday, December 12, 2025.
He also commended the Attorney General and the Interior Ministry for working closely with US authorities to uphold the rule of law.
“Extradition of nine individuals from Ghana in one year is an extraordinary achievement, and the cooperation with the government, obviously with the President, the Attorney General, and the Interior Minister, has been extraordinary. It’s been a really strong collaboration,” he said.
He noted that the nine individuals who have been extradited are in connection with cases including online impersonation and schemes that allegedly defrauded victims of millions of dollars.
He was joined at the event by the US Deputy Assistant Secretary for West Africa at the Bureau of African Affairs, William B. Stevens.
Meanwhile, he has also explained that extradition does not automatically result in imprisonment, stressing that suspects are entitled to due process under US law.
“We go through a formal legal process to make a request… and then are legally sent to the United States to stand trial. Everyone gets a fair trial. They’re not guilty. They will be firmly innocent until proven guilty.”
He added, “These are the kinds of people who, obviously, if proven guilty in court, should be in prison. They shouldn’t be out being able to take advantage of particularly older people.”
He said the US remains committed to working with Ghana to fight cybercrime and financial fraud.
“We are always open to receiving extradition requests. That is absolutely a firm part of any good bilateral relationship.”
He was, however, quick to add that such requests are subject to judicial review and approval by US judges.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
