The Secretary-General of the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), Abraham Koomson, has stated that reports indicating former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta has obtained permanent residency in the United States(US) do not place him beyond the reach of Ghanaian law or exempt him from possible extradition.
Speaking on Ahotor on Saturday, June 20, Mr. Koomson explained that holding a U.S. Green Card does not grant immunity from extradition proceedings where legal agreements exist between countries.
His comments come amid public discussions surrounding reports that Mr. Ofori-Atta has secured permanent residency in the United States while facing criminal charges brought by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
According to Mr. Koomson, although the former Finance Minister’s immigration status may present additional legal considerations, it does not automatically prevent Ghanaian authorities from pursuing his extradition through the appropriate legal channels.
He noted that while the process could become more complex, it does not invalidate efforts to bring Mr. Ofori-Atta before the courts.
He further suggested that legal proceedings could continue in his absence if necessary.
The OSP has been pursuing the former Finance Minister’s return to Ghana in connection with investigations into transactions undertaken during his tenure in office.
The anti-corruption agency has maintained that Mr. Ofori-Atta remains subject to Ghanaian jurisdiction and has initiated legal processes aimed at securing his extradition.
The Office has also rejected claims that his immigration status in the United States affects the substance of the criminal case, stressing that only a competent court in Ghana can determine the validity of the charges against him.
According to the OSP, Mr. Ofori-Atta remains a Ghanaian citizen and can therefore be subject to extradition if the relevant legal requirements are met.
Mr. Koomson further argued that while the former minister may choose to reside permanently in the United States, the allegations and controversies linked to his time in office would continue to have implications for his public image, family legacy and the reputation of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He also criticised the NPP’s record in government, accusing the party of mismanaging the economy and implementing policies that adversely affected workers and ordinary Ghanaians.
The GFL Secretary-General called on citizens and organised labour to remain vigilant, warning against what he described as a return to policies that he believes undermined workers’ welfare and national development.
