TEMA, Ghana, 20th June: The Secretary-General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has stated that reports suggesting former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta has secured permanent residency in the United States do not mean he is beyond the reach of Ghanaian law or immune from extradition.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Yepe Ahunu programme on Saturday, June 20, Mr. Koomson explained that obtaining permanent resident status, commonly known as a Green Card, does not grant immunity from extradition proceedings where legal agreements and treaties exist between countries.
His comments come amid growing public debate following reports that Mr. Ofori-Atta had been granted permanent residency in the United States while facing criminal charges filed by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
According to Mr. Koomson, although the former Finance Minister’s immigration status may provide additional legal avenues for his defence, it does not automatically prevent his extradition to Ghana should the legal process be successfully pursued by the authorities.
He noted that while the development could complicate Ghana’s efforts to secure Mr. Ofori-Atta’s return, it does not terminate the legal process, stressing that the former minister should be prosecuted in absentia if necessary.
The comments come as the OSP continues efforts to secure Mr. Ofori-Atta’s return to Ghana to answer criminal charges arising from investigations into several transactions undertaken during his tenure as Finance Minister. The anti-corruption agency has initiated legal processes aimed at extraditing the former minister and has consistently maintained that he remains subject to Ghanaian jurisdiction.
The OSP has also recently dismissed suggestions that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s immigration status in the United States has any bearing on the substance of the criminal case. According to the Special Prosecutor’s Office, the validity and credibility of the charges can only be determined by a competent court in Ghana.
The Office further maintains that Mr. Ofori-Atta remains a Ghanaian citizen and is therefore still amenable to extradition should a court of competent jurisdiction approve such action.
Commenting further on the matter, Mr. Koomson said Mr. Ofori-Atta may choose to reside permanently in the United States, but argued that the allegations and controversies surrounding his tenure in office would continue to affect his public image, family legacy, and the reputation of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The GFL Secretary-General also launched a strong political attack on the NPP, accusing the party of mismanaging the country’s affairs during its time in government. He called on workers and Ghanaians to remain vigilant and not allow the party to return to power.
According to Mr. Koomson, the policies and governance style of the previous administration had adverse effects on workers and the broader economy. He warned that a return of the NPP to government would, in his view, pose serious challenges for Ghanaian workers and the country’s development.
LISTEN TO ABRAHAM KOOMSON IN THE AUDIO BELOW:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 🇬🇭