Former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been released on a $65,000 bond by United States authorities, according to information from sources within the US Department of Justice.
The sources indicate that the decision to grant bond was based on health grounds. However, Mr Ofori-Atta is being treated as a flight risk and has been fitted with an electronic monitoring device on his ankle.
He is restricted from travelling or moving outside a defined perimeter and is required to report regularly to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Next Hearing Set for April 27
Mr Ofori-Atta’s next immigration hearing has been scheduled for April 27, 2026. The former minister remains in the US under the supervision of federal authorities pending further proceedings.
Questions Over Extradition Delay
The development has raised fresh questions about why US authorities have not acted on Ghana’s extradition request, which was submitted three months ago.
According to the same sources, Ghana’s Attorney-General’s department has provided the US with all necessary documentation to support the request. Yet, no action has been taken.
“The obstruction seems to be coming from the US State Department,” the source claimed.
Calls for Diplomatic Intervention
The alleged delay has prompted calls for Ghana’s Foreign Minister to formally engage the US State Department for answers. Observers note that the failure to act on a properly submitted extradition request could strain bilateral cooperation on criminal matters.
Neither the US Department of Justice nor the State Department has issued an official statement on the matter. Attempts to reach Ghana’s Foreign Ministry for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.
Background
Mr Ofori-Atta, who served as Ghana’s Finance Minister from 2017 to 2024, has been the subject of legal proceedings in the US. The specific charges or nature of the immigration case against him have not been officially disclosed.
The former minister has not publicly commented on his current legal status or the extradition request.
