LAWYER KOFI BAKAI EXPLAINS WHY KEN OFORI-ATTA'S RETURN TO GHANA HAS BEEN DELAYED

Lawyer Kofi Bakai has explained why former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has not yet been returned to Ghana in connection with the criminal case brought against him by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). Speaking in a phone interview with Nana Nhyiraba Kwabena Asirifi on the Ghana Nti Morning Show, Lawyer Bakai said the process of bringing a suspect from another country to Ghana depends on legal procedures and the government's approach to the case. According to him, where a matter involves government interest, the Attorney General and the relevant state institutions play a key role in determining the appropriate legal steps to secure the person's return. He noted that international legal procedures, including extradition where applicable, must be followed. To illustrate his point, Lawyer Bakai referred to another international legal matter, explaining that when a case falls within the jurisdiction of a foreign government, that country's legal processes determine how the matter proceeds. On Ken Ofori-Atta's situation, Lawyer Bakai stated that the former minister's legal status in the United States could affect the process of returning him to Ghana. He explained that the Government of Ghana would need to consider the available legal avenues and act on the advice of the Attorney General before any further action is taken. He added that it is ultimately the responsibility of the Government of Ghana to determine the next legal step. According to him, if there is a lawful avenue to secure Mr. Ofori-Atta's return, the authorities may pursue it. Otherwise, the matter may remain pending until circumstances change. Lawyer Bakai concluded that the delay should not necessarily be interpreted as a lack of interest in the case but rather as the need to follow the appropriate legal procedures under both Ghanaian and international law.