Special Prosecutor Awaits US Proceedings in GHS1.4 Billion SML Case

Special Prosecutor tells Accra High Court Republic is awaiting immigration and extradition outcomes involving Ken Ofori-Atta and Ernest Darko Akore.

The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has informed the Accra High Court that the Republic of Ghana is awaiting the outcome of two separate proceedings in the United States involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, as well as extradition proceedings concerning Ernest Darko Akore.

The two men are part of eight accused persons standing trial over allegations of causing financial loss to the state exceeding GHS1.4 billion. The case also involves former Commissioners of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML Ghana Ltd).

Charges and Pleas

Prosecutors allege that the accused persons engaged in a scheme to improperly secure procurement contracts for SML Ghana Ltd, leading to significant financial loss to the state.

Six of the eight accused persons have pleaded not guilty and are currently on bail. They include:

• Emmanuel Kofi Nti, former Commissioner-General of GRA
• Isaac Crentsil, former GRA Commissioner
• Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, former Commissioner-General of GRA
• Evans Adusei, Chief Executive Officer of SML Ghana Ltd

At the court sitting on Thursday, February 26, the Special Prosecutor notified the court of an amended charge sheet and requested that the pleas of the accused persons be retaken. The four named officials, along with others, pleaded not guilty to a total of 75 charges.

Status of Ken Ofori-Atta

Addressing the absence of Ken Ofori-Atta (listed as A1), the Special Prosecutor explained that two separate proceedings have been instituted against him in the United States.

According to the court, Ofori-Atta was apprehended by US authorities on January 6, 2026, and remains in custody. The first proceeding relates to an alleged immigration violation, which began in January. The second proceeding concerns Ghana’s extradition request and commenced this week.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reportedly informed the Attorney-General that the US Department of Justice has acknowledged receipt of Ghana’s extradition request documents, including the charge sheet and summons.

Extradition Proceedings for Ernest Darko Akore

Regarding Ernest Darko Akore (A2), a former Commissioner of the Customs Division of the GRA, the Special Prosecutor indicated that Ghana is awaiting clarity on the service of summons and extradition steps.

The Attorney-General received advice from the US Department of Justice asking whether Ghana preferred to first serve the charge sheet and summons before initiating extradition proceedings. The Office of the Special Prosecutor responded by requesting that US authorities use the most expeditious and judicious process available.

As of the latest court update, the summons had not yet been served on Akore.

Prosecution Seeks More Time

The prosecution also requested additional time to complete the filing of disclosures, noting that only two witness statements had been submitted so far.

Presiding judge, Justice Francis Aponga Achibonga, granted the prosecution an extension to file and serve the necessary disclosures on defence counsel.

Adjournment

The case has been adjourned to March 26 for continuation.

With key accused persons currently subject to proceedings abroad, the trial’s progression now partly depends on the outcome of immigration and extradition processes in the United States. The court is expected to receive further updates once those proceedings are concluded.

Source: 3news.com

Also read: Ken Extradition: US assures Ghana it will not obstruct extradition of Ken Ofori-Atta and Sedina Tamakloe Attionu – Ablakwa