Ken Extradition: US assures Ghana it will not obstruct extradition of Ken Ofori-Atta and Sedina Tamakloe Attionu – Ablakwa
Frank Ocansey
Editor, PulseView
Ken Extradition: Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed that the United States government has assured Ghana of its cooperation in ongoing efforts to extradite former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, to face legal proceedings in Ghana.
The assurance was conveyed during a high-level bilateral engagement between officials of Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a United States delegation led by the Acting US Ambassador to Ghana, Rolf Olson, as part of a broader review of Ghana–US relations.
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa made the disclosure in a Facebook post on Wednesday, January 14, following the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
US position on Ken extradition
According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, the United States government indicated that, without prejudice to ongoing judicial processes, it would not stand in the way of Ghana’s lawful attempts to secure the return of Mr Ofori-Atta and Ms Tamakloe Attionu to answer charges in Ghana.
“The United States has assured us that it will not obstruct Ghana’s efforts to secure the extradition of persons lawfully required to face justice in Ghana,” Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stated.
He clarified that while US authorities will continue to respect due process under American law, they are committed to cooperating fully within the framework of international extradition protocols.
Ofori-Atta detention and extradition request
Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is currently in custody of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the submission of a formal extradition request by the Government of Ghana.
The request is linked to corruption and procurement-related charges being pursued by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
US authorities are presently undertaking legal proceedings to determine Mr Ofori-Atta’s immigration status and to assess the merits of Ghana’s extradition request, in line with US law and bilateral agreements between the two countries.
Sedina Tamakloe Attionu case
Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, a former head of MASLOC, was convicted in Ghana in 2024 for causing financial loss to the state and subsequently sentenced by a Ghanaian court.
She has since remained outside the country, prompting Ghanaian authorities to initiate extradition processes to secure her return to serve her sentence.
The Attorney-General’s Department has previously confirmed that a formal extradition request was submitted to the US Department of Justice in mid-2024 and remains under review, pending the completion of all legal and procedural requirements.
Broader Ghana–US relations
Beyond the extradition matters, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the meeting reviewed significant gains in Ghana–US relations in 2025 and identified key areas of cooperation for 2026 and beyond.
He disclosed that Ghana has successfully negotiated the continued exemption from US visa sanctions and visa bond requirements introduced under former President Donald Trump’s administration, which had affected several countries.
The minister also highlighted:
- The removal of a 15 per cent US tariff on selected Ghanaian agricultural exports
- Progress toward the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)
- Strengthened cooperation in security, trade, health, and visa facilitation, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming World Cup
Positive diplomatic outlook
Mr Ablakwa described the current state of Ghana–US relations as experiencing an “incredible positive velocity,” marked by deepening diplomatic engagement, expanding economic cooperation, and enhanced collaboration in law enforcement and justice delivery.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to accountability, the rule of law, and international cooperation, stressing that no individual is above the law.
Source: 3news
Also Read: Ken Ofori Atta Detained by ICE in the US Amid Legal and Health Concerns
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