By Morkporkpor Anku
Accra, June 16, GNA – The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) says it is not involved in immigration proceedings in the United States concerning Mr. Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, the former Minister of Finance.
The Office said its involvement in matters relating to Mr. Ofori-Atta was limited to extradition proceedings being pursued through the Attorney-General, who serves as Ghana’s central authority in such matters.
A statement issued by the OSP said it had taken note of media reports and a publication attributed to a law firm in Ghana claiming that Mr. Ofori-Atta had been granted permanent residency in the United States following an immigration court finding that the criminal charges filed against him by the OSP were not credible.
The OSP said it was not a party to the immigration proceedings and had no role in the conduct or outcome of those hearings.
It explained that the extradition request and supporting documents submitted in respect of Mr. Ofori-Atta were not before the immigration court.
“The extradition packet is not before the immigration court, and the credibility or otherwise of the criminal charges against Mr. Ofori-Atta would be determined by the courts in Ghana, which have jurisdiction to determine his guilt or innocence,” the statement said.
The Office maintained that the legal process concerning the charges it had filed against the former Finance Minister remained within the jurisdiction of the Ghanaian courts.
It further said Mr. Ofori-Atta remained a citizen of Ghana and continued to be amenable to extradition to Ghana should the extradition court in the United States so decide.
The OSP reiterated its commitment to pursuing its mandate in accordance with the law and due process, adding that it would continue to engage the appropriate legal channels in matters relating to the extradition proceedings.
The former Finance Minister secured a significant legal victory in the U.S. after an immigration court approved his application to adjust his immigration status, paving the way for him to obtain lawful permanent residency.
The decision was delivered on Monday during proceedings in which the court considered Mr. Ofori-Atta’s I-485 petition, a key step in the process of acquiring permanent resident status in the United States.
GNA
Reporter: Morkporkpor Anku
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong