The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has downplayed media and legal reports suggesting that a United States immigration court’s ruling has cleared former Finance Minister Kenneth Ofori-Atta of criminal wrongdoing.
The OSP’s reaction follows widespread publications, heavily backed by a prominent Ghanaian law firm, claiming Mr. Ofori-Atta was granted permanent residency in the U.S. because an immigration judge found the OSP’s criminal charges against him lacking in credibility.
In a swift clarification, the anti-graft agency stated it has no footprint or representation in domestic American immigration matters.
“The OSP states that it is not involved in immigration hearings in the United States involving Mr. Ofori-Atta,” the statement read. “The OSP’s involvement is in respect of extradition proceedings against Mr. Ofori-Atta through the Attorney-General as the central authority.”
The prosecution emphasized that the evidence compiled to bring the former minister back to Ghana to face trial was never reviewed by the immigration judge.
“The OSP states that the extradition packet is not before the immigration court; and the credibility or otherwise of the criminal charges against Mr. Ofori-Atta would be determined by the courts in Ghana, who have jurisdiction to determine his guilt or innocence.”
The OSP further maintained that a change in residency status does not grant immunity from international legal mechanisms. According to the agency, the ongoing push to repatriate the former minister remains completely intact.
“Further, Mr. Ofori-Atta still remains a citizen of Ghana and he is still amenable to be extradited to Ghana if so decided by the extradition court in the United States.”
The state’s legal apparatus, through the Office of the Attorney-General, is expected to continue pursuing the extradition process independently of the immigration court’s recent administrative decision.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
