The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has dismissed media reports suggesting that former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta has been cleared of criminal wrongdoing by a court in the United States.
In a public notice addressing a leaked hearing transcript from an American immigration court, the anti-graft agency clarified that US immigration proceedings have no bearing on the criminal charges pending against Mr Ofori-Atta in Ghana.
The OSP emphasised that its involvement in the United States concerns extradition processes through the Attorney-General, not immigration hearings.
According to the Secretariat, the public must distinguish between three distinct legal matters: US immigration proceedings regarding his residence status, extradition proceedings to surrender him to Ghanaian authorities, and the substantive criminal prosecution before the High Court in Accra.
“The credibility or otherwise of the criminal charges against Mr. Ofori-Atta is a matter for determination by the courts in Ghana, which have jurisdiction to determine his guilt or innocence. Such matters are not determined by an immigration court in the United States,” the OSP stated.
The Prosecutor’s Office reiterated that the extradition packet has not been presented to the US immigration tribunal, making any conclusions drawn by media houses regarding his innocence in Ghana premature and misleading.
Firmly maintaining its stance, the anti-corruption body declared that Mr Ofori-Atta remains a wanted man in his home country.
“Mr. Ofori-Atta remains the subject of criminal proceedings in Ghana, which are before the High Court, Accra. A valid warrant of arrest has been issued by the High Court, Accra, and Mr. Ofori-Atta remains a fugitive from justice in Ghana,” the statement noted.
The OSP further warned that the trial in Accra for corruption and corruption-related offences will move forward regardless of whether the former minister returns to defend himself in person.
“The criminal proceedings in Ghana shall continue in accordance with applicable law and the directives of the High Court, Accra, whether or not Mr. Ofori-Atta is present in Ghana,” the agency added, urging him to return and face the charges.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
