By Ashiadey Dotse
The criminal case involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and seven others has been adjourned to April 23, 2026, due to delays in the extradition process.
The decision follows submissions by State prosecutor Adelaide Kobiri-Woode, who told the court that efforts to serve Ofori-Atta and the second accused, Ernest Darko Akore, with criminal summons and charge sheets are not yet complete.
She also indicated that the process to extradite Ofori-Atta from the United States to Ghana is still ongoing.
Other accused persons, including Emmanuel Kofi Nti, Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, Isaac Crentsil, Kwadwo Damoah and Evans Adusei, were present in court. Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) was also represented.
According to the prosecution, the case had earlier been scheduled for a Case Management Conference to prepare for trial, but the absence of the two accused persons made it impossible for proceedings to begin.
The court was also informed that the United States Department of Justice had requested additional information to support the extradition process, which has since been provided.
When asked whether the State would proceed with the case in the absence of Ofori-Atta and Akore, the prosecutor said it would not, emphasising that efforts are focused on serving them with the necessary documents.
Meanwhile, three new witness statements have been filed but are yet to be served on the accused persons. The court ordered that the statements be served.
Lawyers for the accused persons, led by Kwame Gyan, urged the court to discharge the other accused persons or grant a longer adjournment, arguing that the timeline for completing the extradition and service processes remains uncertain.
He noted that the accused persons have consistently complied with court orders and warned that repeated appearances could be burdensome.
Another defence lawyer, Addo Atuah, supported the request, stating that frequent court attendance poses a financial strain, particularly as some of the accused are retirees.
However, the prosecution opposed the request, arguing that the number of court appearances so far does not justify a discharge.
The trial judge, Francis Apanga Achibonga, ruled that it is the responsibility of the prosecution to determine how to proceed with the case. He declined to discharge the accused persons but granted a longer adjournment.
The case is expected to resume on April 23, 2026, for further proceedings.
Below is the full statement;
