The criminal prosecution concerning former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta and seven co accused persons has been postponed to March 26, 2026, according to an official communication issued by the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
The deferment follows proceedings held on Thursday, February 26, during which the court sought further clarification regarding the status and physical availability of Mr Ofori-Atta and his former Chief of Staff, Ernest Darko Akore, in relation to the extensive charges filed against them.
Mr Ofori-Atta, alongside the other accused individuals, is confronting seventy eight counts connected to the contentious revenue assurance agreement awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited. The contract, which has drawn sustained public scrutiny and regulatory examination, forms the evidentiary nucleus of the prosecution’s case.
According to disclosures before the court, the former minister departed Ghana on January 5, 2025, citing medical considerations. Subsequent developments indicate that he is presently in the custody of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in connection with a distinct visa related matter unrelated to the substantive Ghanaian charges.
The Special Prosecutor’s office further revealed that the United States Department of Justice has formally acknowledged receipt of an extradition dossier transmitted by Ghanaian authorities. The American justice department has reportedly sought procedural guidance regarding Mr Akore, who holds dual citizenship in both the United States and Ghana. Specifically, clarification was requested as to whether he should first be apprehended under American jurisdiction before service of summons, or whether service should precede any custodial measure.
In response, the Office of the Special Prosecutor advised United States authorities to pursue the most efficient and legally sound pathway available within their domestic statutory framework. The statement further confirmed that summons documentation and the corresponding charge sheet have been conveyed to Mr Ofori-Atta.
At present, two parallel legal processes are pending against the former minister within the United States, namely immigration related proceedings and a potential extradition process arising from Ghana’s formal request.
The court session also addressed procedural concerns raised by the sixth accused, Kwadwo Damoah, who petitioned that his official designations be accurately reflected within the charge documentation. Consequently, the indictment was re read to incorporate his formal title as Hon. Colonel Retired Kwadwo Damoah, thereby ensuring precision within the court record.
As the matter stands adjourned, prosecutorial disclosures are anticipated to continue during the intervening period. Legal analysts observe that the intersection of domestic criminal litigation and international extradition dynamics introduces a complex procedural dimension to the case, particularly where transnational jurisdictional coordination is required.
The March 26 sitting is expected to provide further clarity regarding the trajectory of the proceedings, including the status of extradition engagements and the readiness of the prosecution to advance substantive arguments once jurisdictional prerequisites are satisfied.
