The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has informed the Accra High Court that the Republic is awaiting the outcome of two separate proceedings in the United States involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, as well as extradition proceedings against Ernest Darko Akore.
The two are among eight accused persons — including former Commissioners of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and officials of Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) — standing trial for allegedly causing financial loss to the state exceeding GH¢1.4 billion.
Prosecutors allege that the accused engaged in a scheme to improperly secure procurement contracts for SML.
Six of the eight accused persons have pleaded not guilty and are currently on bail. They include former GRA Commissioner-General Emmanuel Kofi Nti, Isaac Crentsil, Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, and SML Chief Executive Officer Evans Adusei.
Amended Charges Filed
During proceedings 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 former GRA Commissioner-Generals — Emmanuel Kofi Nti, Isaac Crentsil, and Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah — along with Evans Adusei, pleaded not guilty to a total of 75 charges.
U.S. Proceedings Pending
Addressing the absence of Ofori-Atta and Akore, the Special Prosecutor explained that the Republic is monitoring developments in the United States before advising the court on their availability.
According to the prosecution, Akore is the subject of extradition considerations, with the U.S. Department of Justice seeking guidance on whether the charge sheet and summons should first be served before extradition proceedings commence. The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has advised U.S. authorities to adopt the most expeditious process. As of the latest hearing, the summons had not yet been served on him.
In the case of Ofori-Atta, the court was told that he was apprehended by U.S. authorities on January 6, 2026, and remains in custody. He is facing two separate proceedings — one relating to an immigration violation initiated in January, and another concerning an extradition request which began this week. Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the U.S. Department of Justice has acknowledged receipt of the extradition request documents.
“The Republic of Ghana is awaiting the outcome of these two proceedings in respect of A1 and the outcome of the extradition proceedings in respect of A2 before the state can advise the court on their presence,” the Special Prosecutor stated.
Case Adjourned
The prosecution further requested additional time to complete its disclosures, noting that only two witness statements had been filed so far.
Presiding judge, Francis Aponga Achibonga, granted the prosecution an extension to file and serve the necessary documents.
The case has been adjourned to March 26 for continuation.
