Martin Kpebu to Defend Ken Ofori-Atta as US Detention, Extradition Talks Intensify

Renowned human rights lawyer and private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has announced his decision to defend the constitutional and human rights of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, who is expected to be extradited from the United States to Ghana over alleged corruption-related offences.

Speaking in response to recent disclosures by Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Smith, Kpebu said Ofori-Atta’s fears about how he may be treated upon his return to Ghana should not be ignored.

The Ambassador, who appeared on TV3’s Key Points on Saturday, January 17, 2026, revealed that Ofori-Atta is apprehensive about his safety and legal treatment, a concern also echoed by legal practitioner Kofi Bentil, who was a panelist on the programme.

Reacting to these concerns, Martin Kpebu pledged to ensure that Ofori-Atta’s rights are respected and that due process is strictly followed, just as he has done in other high-profile cases. He recalled his defense of Kwame Baffoe (Abronye) when the Bono Regional NPP Chairman was allegedly maltreated by state authorities, despite public backlash.

Kpebu noted that he had previously spoken against what he described as unfair treatment of Ofori-Atta by the Office of the Special Prosecutor when the former minister travelled abroad for medical reasons after duly informing state agencies.

However, he also stated that Ofori-Atta’s current predicament and public distrust are largely self-inflicted, arguing that his prolonged stay abroad has exposed him to criticism and suspicion.

According to Kpebu, the former finance minister’s fear may stem from his own actions while in office, including his role in pushing for prosecutions related to the banking sector crisis. He further referenced alleged claims by former Attorney-General Godfred Dame that Ofori-Atta and former President Nana Akufo-Addo pressured him to prosecute Ato Forson for political advantage.

Currently, the Office of the Special Prosecutor has filed 78 counts of corruption and corruption-related offences against Ken Ofori-Atta, Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML), and six others.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed that Ofori-Atta is being held at the Caroline Detention Facility in Virginia for overstaying his permitted period in the United States. He is expected to appear in court on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, as extradition processes continue.

Martin Kpebu assured that if Ofori-Atta returns to Ghana, he and other human rights advocates will ensure the former minister is brought before a court within the constitutionally mandated 48 hours.

Martin Kpebu to Defend Ken Ofori-Atta as US Detention

Also read: Ken Ofori-Atta ICE detention: Ken Ofori-Atta Fears Return to Ghana Amid ICE Detention – Ambassador Reveals