A group of concerned Ghanaian citizens have submitted a public petition to the United States Embassy in Accra, calling for cooperation in facilitating the extradition of former Minister of Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, whom they allege is outside the country despite facing multiple financial and economic crime charges.

The petition, dated December 2, 2025, and led by private legal practitioner Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, popularly known as Kwaku Azar, urges the US Embassy to support ongoing legal proceedings by helping Ghanaian authorities confirm Ofori-Atta's whereabouts.

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The group also wants the US Embassy to facilitate collaboration between the two countries on any formal extradition efforts.

According to the petitioners, the former minister's absence is "delaying the criminal process and undermining our country's fight against corruption and economic wrongdoing."

"We, concerned citizens of Ghana, respectfully call on the United States Embassy in Accra to cooperate with Ghanaian authorities to facilitate the extradition of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, who has now been formally charged with multiple financial and economic crimes.

"Mr Ofori-Atta is currently outside Ghana. His absence is delaying the criminal process and undermining our country's fight against corruption and economic wrongdoing," portions of the petition read.

They argued that Ghana and the United States share long-standing commitments to democracy, transparency, and accountability, values they believe should guide both countries in ensuring that the legal process proceeds without obstruction.

"Ghana and the United States share a strong partnership rooted in democracy, transparency, and accountability. When a public official has been charged, the law must take its course, without fear, favour, or political shielding," the group said.

The group is asking the US Embassy to, among other things, verify Ken Ofori-Atta's presence or status in the United States; facilitate cooperation between US and Ghanaian authorities; and support the expedited processing of any formal extradition request.

The petitioners state that the initiative makes no claims regarding Ofori-Atta's guilt or innocence, stressing that the purpose is to ensure he returns to Ghana to respond to charges before a competent court.

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Meanwhile, at the time of filing this report, the petition had garnered 489 signatures and was still growing.



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Meanwhile, as the BBC moves the home of its Focus on Africa Podcast to Nairobi, GhanaWeb's Etsey Atisu connected with the host for an exclusive interview on The Lowdown. Watch it here: