The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has informed the Accra High Court that the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed the receipt of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s extradition packet.
According to the OSP, a summons and charge sheet have been transmitted to Ken Ofori-Atta with an immigration violation proceeding and extradition proceedings pending against him.
In the case of Ken Ofori-Atta’s Chief of Staff, Ernst Darko Akore, the OSP told the High Court that they had informed the US Department of Justice to adopt the most expedient and judicious approach available under their laws to arrest Mr Akore, a dual US-Ghanaian citizen.
The OSP sharing update was disclosed in court on Thursday, 26 February 2026, in a post-on X wrote, “The court sought clarification on the presence of the first and second accused persons—Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta (A1) and his Chief of Staff, Ernst Darko Akore (A2).
The Special Prosecutor informed the court that the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), through the Attorney-General, has requested advice from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on whether to arrest Mr Akore, a dual US-Ghanaian citizen, prior to serving him with a summons, or to serve the summons before any arrest. The OSP advised that US authorities should adopt the most expedient and judicious approach available under their laws.
Regarding Mr Ofori-Atta, the DOJ confirmed receipt of the extradition packet and indicated that the summons and charge sheet have been transmitted to A1. Two proceedings are currently pending against him: immigration violation proceedings and extradition proceedings.
Meanwhile, proceedings in Ghana will continue.
Earlier, prosecutors refiled the charge sheet in respect of the sixth accused, Kwadwo Damoah (A6), following his application before a previous judge to have his official titles included. Consequently, the charges were read afresh to reflect his designation as Hon. Col. (Rtd) Kwadwo Damoah.
The case was adjourned to 26 March 2026, with disclosures expected to continue during the period of adjournment”, the OSP post concluded.
In related news, the United States immigration court has denied former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta bail.
Reports suggest that Ken Ofori-Atta’s bail, which was heard on February 19, 2026, was unsuccessful.
According to veteran journalist Alfred Ogbamey, lawyers for Ken Ofori-Atta had prayed the court to grant bail to allow him to seek medical attention.
Nevertheless, the presiding judge, David Gardey, denied the request.
Judge Gardey reportedly ruled that bail was unnecessary, arguing that Ofori-Atta has access to adequate medical care at the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility where he is being held.
Parts of the post shared by the veteran journalist stated, “At his hearing last Thursday, lawyers for Ken Ofori-Atta argued that he should be granted bail to access proper medical care. Sources say the Judge refused the request, insisting that the former minister has access to adequate medical needs at the ICE facility”.
Also, TV3 in a post stated, “Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta remains in detention in the United States after a bail application in his immigration case was unsuccessful, according to sources familiar with the proceedings”.
See the post below:
Republic v. Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta & 7 Others
— Office of the Special Prosecutor-Ghana (@ospghana) February 26, 2026
The court sought clarification on the presence of the first and second accused persons—Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta (A1) and his Chief of Staff, Ernst Darko Akore (A2).
The Special Prosecutor informed the court that the United… pic.twitter.com/uhOeAXFItl