Accra, Ghana – While former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta faces extradition proceedings in the United States for corruption charges linked to the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) deal, another key figure, Ernest Darko Akore, has also been implicated and charged but remains largely out of the public spotlight. Akore, who held a senior position in the Finance Ministry and possesses both Ghanaian and American passports, departed Ghana shortly before the 2024 elections, potentially complicating his return to face justice.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has charged both Ofori-Atta and Akore with serious financial offenses related to the SML contract. Ofori-Atta, a prominent figure in the previous administration, is currently in the U.S. following his arrest in January 2026 and subsequent release on bail. His legal status in the U.S. is reportedly precarious, making him susceptible to deportation should his application to change his status fail.
Ernest Akore, born in Accra in 1958, served as the Chef de Cabinet to the Minister of Finance. In this capacity, he signed crucial documents on behalf of Ofori-Atta, including those pertaining to the controversial SML deal, which was first reported in 2023. His departure from Ghana on November 19, 2024, to New York via Delta Airlines Flight 156, using a U.S. passport, has raised questions about the ease with which individuals facing charges can leave the country.
The dual nationality of Ernest Akore presents a significant challenge for his repatriation to Ghana. Unlike Ofori-Atta, who travelled on his Ghanaian passport and whose U.S. visa expired, Akore utilized a 10-year U.S. passport issued in August 2021. He also holds a valid Ghanaian passport, issued in January 2020. This dual citizenship could complicate any extradition efforts or legal processes aimed at bringing him back to Ghana to stand trial.
The OSP has formally charged Ernest Akore with several offenses. These include conspiracy to commit the criminal offense of Causing Financial Loss to the Republic, conspiracy to commit the criminal offense of Willful Oppression, and conspiracy to commit the criminal offense of Directly or Indirectly Influencing the Procurement Process to Obtain an Unfair Advantage in the Award of a Procurement Contract. These charges mirror some of those faced by Ofori-Atta, underscoring the gravity of the alleged misconduct.
Ken Ofori-Atta, born in November 1959, left Ghana on January 4, 2025, for Washington D.C. on United Airlines Flight 997. He was arrested on January 6, 2026, at the Westlight apartment complex in Washington D.C. and has since been released on bail pending his extradition hearing. His U.S. visa, issued in February 2021, was valid until February 2026. Ofori-Atta also possesses valid visas for the United Kingdom and Canada, with expirations in 2032 and 2031 respectively.
Sources indicate that both Ofori-Atta and Akore have no immediate plans to return to Ghana to answer the charges brought against them by the OSP in November 2025. The differing circumstances of their departures and their respective nationalities create a complex legal and logistical situation for Ghanaian authorities seeking to ensure accountability.
The SML scandal involves allegations of impropriety in a revenue assurance contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited. This deal has been a focal point of scrutiny by anti-corruption bodies and the public, raising concerns about transparency and the potential misuse of state resources. The involvement of high-ranking officials like Ofori-Atta and Akore highlights systemic issues within public procurement and financial management.
The differing legal statuses and travel documents of the two accused individuals underscore the challenges in prosecuting corruption cases involving individuals with international ties. While Ofori-Atta’s presence in the U.S. is known and his extradition is being pursued, Akore’s situation, facilitated by his U.S. citizenship, suggests a potentially more protracted or even insurmountable path to justice.
The public and legal fraternity in Ghana are closely watching the developments in both cases. The outcome of Ofori-Atta’s extradition proceedings and any potential efforts to secure Akore’s return will be significant indicators of Ghana’s commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring that no one is above the law, regardless of their position or international connections. The ability of the OSP to navigate these complex international legal frameworks will be critical.
Moving forward, attention will be on the progress of Ofori-Atta’s extradition case and the strategies the OSP will employ to address Ernest Akore’s presence abroad. The cases may also prompt a review of protocols concerning public officials with dual nationalities and international travel while facing investigations.
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