‘Not our jurisdiction’ — Mahama on Ofori-Atta case

• Posted on March 31, 2026March 31, 2026
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

President John Dramani Mahama has distanced himself from ongoing proceedings to extradite former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, stressing that the matter lies entirely within the jurisdiction of the United States and must follow due legal process.

Addressing participants at a Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations at Jubilee House on Monday, March 30, the President said it would be inappropriate for him to make pronouncements on a case being handled outside Ghana’s authority.

“I cannot comment on the extradition of our former Finance Minister because it is in a different jurisdiction… we just have to be patient for the law to play out in that jurisdiction. It is not within our jurisdiction, but the American judiciary…” President Mahama said.

His remarks come amid Ghana’s formal request to the United States seeking the return of Mr Ofori-Atta to face multiple corruption-related allegations linked to his time in office between 2017 and 2024.

The former minister is currently in the United States, where he was detained earlier this year by federal immigration authorities over visa-related issues. He is also reported to be pursuing permanent residency while challenging the extradition request.

Legal proceedings in the United States have since gathered pace, with a federal judge reportedly requesting documentary evidence to substantiate Ghana’s extradition claim, highlighting the procedural and legal hurdles involved in the case.

The development underscores the complexity of cross-border legal actions, as Ghanaian authorities await the outcome of proceedings within the U.S. judicial system.