What’s Next for Ken Ofori-Atta? Kissi Agyabeng Hints at US Proceedings in SML Case

The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyabeng, has told the Accra High Court that the Republic is awaiting the outcome of two proceedings against former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, as well as extradition proceedings against Ernest Darko Akore in the United States. The two are part of eight accused persons, including former GRA Commissioners and SML Ghana Ltd, standing trial for allegedly causing financial loss to the state in excess of 1.4 billion cedis. Prosecutors allege that the accused persons engaged in a scheme to improperly secure procurement contracts for Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited. Six of the eight accused persons have pleaded not guilty to the charges and are on bail. They include Emmanuel Kofi Nti, 66, former Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA); Isaac Crentsil, 63, former Commissioner at GRA; Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, former Commissioner-General of GRA; and Evans Adusei, Chief Executive Officer of SML Ghana Ltd. During proceedings on Thursday, February 26, the Special Prosecut… Former Commissioner-Generals of the Ghana Revenue Authority — Emmanuel Kofi Nti, Isaac Crentsil and Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah — as well as Evans Adusei, Chief Executive Officer of SML, pleaded not guilty to a total of 75 charges against them. Commenting on the status of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and a former Commissioner of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Ernest Darko Akore, who were absent, the Special Prosecutor indicated that the Republic was awaiting the outcome of the immigration violation and extradition proceedings before updating the court. “The Republic reports that, with respect to Akore, the Attorney-General served advice from the US Department of Justice on the OSP enquiring our preference as to whether the charge sheet and the summons to issue should first be served on him before the institution of extradition from the US. “The Republic further reports that the OSP responded by advising the US Department of Justice to employ the most expeditious and judicious process in this regard. “As of today, the summons is yet to be served on Ernest Darko Akore (A2). “In respect of Ken Ofori-Atta, two proceedings have been instituted against him in the US. He was apprehended by the US authorities on January 6, 2026, and remains in custody. The first proceedings against him relate to an immigration violation, which commenced in January. “The second proceedings against him commenced this week in respect of an extradition request. The Republic further reports that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised the Attorney-General to inform the OSP that the US Department of Justice has acknowledged receipt of the extradition packet and that, in respect of A1, the charge sheet and the summons have been transmitted.” “In the circumstances, 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 concluded. Additionally, the prosecution indicated that it needed more time to finalise the filing of disclosures, as only two witness statements had been filed. The case, presided over by Justice Francis Aponga Achibonga, saw the court grant the prosecution an extension of time to file its disclosures and serve the defence lawyers. The case has been adjourned to March 26 for continuation. Thank You For Reading