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Ken Ofori Atta has hired top US lawyers but I am not afraid – Attorney General Ayine

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The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has stated that former Finance Minister Ken Oforiata has hired very experienced lawyers in the United States to fight his extradition to Ghana, but stressed that he remains confident in the case.

Dr Ayine made the remark while responding to questions from journalists at the Government Accountability Series in Accra, where he briefed the public on efforts to bring Ken Ofori Atta back to Ghana to face trial.

He explained that extradition was a legal process that must go through the courts and could take time, especially because the person involved had the right to challenge the request at different levels of the United States judicial system.

According to the Attorney General, he had recently been informed that the former finance minister had engaged some of the most experienced lawyers in the US to defend him in the extradition proceedings.

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Despite this, Dr Ayine stated clearly that he was not intimidated, noting that the government had taken all the required legal steps to ensure that the extradition request was properly made.

He explained that extradition cases were not administrative decisions but judicial ones, meaning that US courts would examine the evidence presented before deciding whether the former minister should be sent back to Ghana.

Dr Ayine cautioned the public against expecting a quick outcome, explaining that if the case was dismissed at a lower court, the accused person had the right to appeal to higher courts, including the US Supreme Court.

He stressed that the government’s duty was to be honest with Ghanaians and manage expectations, adding that accountability required openness and truthfulness about the challenges involved in such cases.

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The Attorney General reaffirmed that the government of President John Dramani Mahama remained committed to ensuring that Ken Ofori Atta returned to Ghana to face justice.

He added that under his watch, the former minister would be treated fairly and accorded due process, just like any other accused person.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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I don’t take NPP for granted— Afenyo Markin insists

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Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo Markin, says he has discharged his duties with the dignity and responsibility demanded by the office, stressing that he does not take the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for granted.

He made the remarks during a media briefing, where he also dismissed claims that there are compromising videos or audio recordings of him that could embarrass him, his family or the party.

Mr Afenyo Markin acknowledged that he is not perfect but insisted that he would not act recklessly, particularly given the responsibility attached to his position as Minority Leader.

“I have discharged my duty as a Minority Leader with all the dignity that must go with the office. I’m not a perfect guy, but I won’t be reckless,” he stated.

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He said he was conscious of the history of the position he occupies, noting that it had previously been held by senior members of the NPP, including J.B. Danquah, J.H. Mensah and Busia, Dumbo.

According to him, the party’s elders did not entrust him with the leadership of the parliamentary caucus without considering the responsibility involved.

“I don’t take NPP for granted. It’s a tradition I respect. The elders of this party, they don’t just get up to say, ‘Our son, lead the caucus.’ From day one, they entrusted me with this position,” he stated.

Mr Afenyo Markin said he has always recognised the weight of the party’s history and the need to conduct himself in a manner that protects the image of the NPP.

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He rejected claims that individuals have videos or audio recordings of him engaging in activities that could be used to embarrass him.

“Nobody has any video of me doing anything. Nobody has any audio of me doing anything to embarrass myself, my family and the party,” he insisted.

He described the claims as part of the challenges politicians face in the era of social media, where allegations and rumours can spread quickly.

Mr Afenyo Markin maintained that despite such claims, he would continue to carry out his responsibilities with caution and respect for the office he occupies.

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By: Jacob Aggrey

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GoldBod concerns are about implementation, not individuals- Afenyo-Markin

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Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo Markin, has denied that his concerns over the GoldBod and the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme are aimed at any particular individual.

He explained that his criticism has always been directed at the institution and the way the programme is being implemented, rather than at any person.

“I have never, on any occasion, mentioned anyone’s name. I have always been talking about the GoldBod institution,” Mr Afenyo Markin stated.

He made these remarks today during a press briefing August 31, 2026,Speaking to when cultural troupes from Winneba visited his residence in Accra

the Minority’s position is that although the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme is a good initiative, its implementation has created challenges that need to be examined.

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He described the programme as an initiative introduced under former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia to use Ghana’s gold resources to help stabilise the economy.

Mr Afenyo Markin maintained that the Minority supports the idea but is concerned about what he described as losses arising from its implementation.

He referenced concerns raised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding losses associated with the programme, arguing that such issues should be properly investigated.

He therefore rejected suggestions that the matter had become a personal attack.

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“We need to elevate the conversation so that it doesn’t become a personality contest,” he added.

Responding to arguments that the reported losses could instead be exchange rate losses on the Bank of Ghana’s own accounts and that the central bank was following international best practices, Mr Afenyo Markin called for patience.

He indicated that the planned parliamentary probe would provide an opportunity for all sides to present their positions and establish the facts.

“When October comes and we start the discussion, wherever the truth is, we will all get to know,” he stated.

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By: Jacob Aggrey

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