Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Kofi Tonto questioned calls for the U.S. authorities to simply hand over Ofori-Atta to Ghana.

“You claim someone has committed a crime, but how can the U.S. State Department confirm the crime you have accused the person of without due process?” he asked.

He said many Ghanaians often focus on the surface of issues instead of examining the substance.

“I always say that if we do not pay attention to the substance of matters and only focus on the surface, we will continue to remain where we are,” he stated.

According to him, the United States has established laws, known as statutes or U.S. codes, that guide how fugitives and extradition matters are handled.

“When you read the laws, they clearly state how the U.S. government treats people who are declared fugitives in their home countries,” he explained.

Kofi Tonto said if Ghana believes a person has committed a crime and is residing abroad, there are laid-down procedures involving the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Ghana Embassy, and the U.S. Secretary of State before the matter can even be placed before a judge.

He further argued that under U.S. law, the alleged offence must be a legitimate crime and not a politically motivated attempt to persecute the person.

“The law is clear. If the U.S. government believes the request is only to persecute the person and not prosecute an actual crime, they will not hand him over,” he said.

He claimed that U.S. authorities are monitoring developments in Ghana and are aware of public discussions surrounding Ofori-Atta.

“The U.S. government has an embassy in Ghana. They see everything happening in the news, and they know some people want Ofori-Atta brought back to face trial. They are watching all of this and may view it as politically motivated,” he added.

His comments come amid ongoing investigations involving Kenneth Ofori-Atta, who is facing several criminal allegations linked to decisions taken during his tenure as Finance Minister.

Among the allegations is a claim that a contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited resulted in losses of more than GH¢1.4 billion to the state.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has also been investigating the former minister and, in June 2025, initiated steps to secure an INTERPOL Red Notice after he allegedly failed to honour multiple invitations for questioning. The notice was later removed by INTERPOL.

The OSP, however, maintains that reports of Ofori-Atta acquiring lawful permanent residency in the United States do not shield him from criminal investigations in Ghana or affect ongoing efforts to secure his return for questioning.

Government only seeking to humiliate Ofori-Atta — Titus Glover

A Green Card is not a sanctuary: What Ken Ofori-Atta’s immigration…

Ofori-Atta’s health could influence any U.S. extradition decision – Martin Kpebu

The meeting focused on Ghana’s digital transformation agenda, policy reforms, and opportunities for collaboration in areas such as digital skills development, satellite technology, connectivity expansion, and innovation.

The U.S. delegation included Brooke Donilon, Jaisha Wray, Laurie Kelleher, Acting Commercial Counselor at the U.S. Embassy, and Victoria Agbai, Commercial Specialist.

During the discussions, the delegation expressed appreciation to the Minister for Ghana’s role in hosting, for the first time, the satellite training programme organised by the United States Telecommunication Training Institute.

Briefing the delegation on ongoing policy and regulatory reforms within Ghana’s digital sector, Sam George highlighted the government’s efforts to review key legislation, develop Ghana’s Artificial Intelligence strategy, and position the country as a leading digital hub on the African continent.

The Minister also underscored the importance of the government’s One Million Coders Programme, which seeks to equip young Ghanaians with digital and coding skills needed for the future economy. He called for stronger partnerships to support the initiative.

He further stressed the need for effective regulatory frameworks to guide the deployment of satellite technology in a legal and responsible manner that protects national interests, promotes fair competition, and ensures security.

The U.S. delegation commended Ghana’s ambitious digital agenda and expressed readiness to deepen collaboration with the Ministry.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued engagement aimed at promoting inclusive digital development, innovation, and economic opportunities for Ghanaians.

READ ALSO:

GNFS contains fire outbreak at Anlo Afiadenyigba SHS dormitory

Government to commission 100 new buses for Metro Mass Transit fleet

According to initial reports to MRC Data, the album, which was released November 19, has sold more than 500,000 copies in the U.S. through November 21.

That makes it 2021’s top-selling album, surpassing sales of any album over the past 11 months combined.

It beats the year’s previous top-seller: Taylor Swift’s Evermore, with 462,000 copies sold through the week ending November 18. (Evermore was released in December 2020 but has continued to sell well in 2021.)

The album also easily claims 2021’s biggest individual sales week – surpassing the mark just set by the arrival of Swift’s Red (Taylor’s Version), which sold 369,000 copies in the U.S. in the week ending November 18.

MORE:

• 2022 WCQ: Ghana FA reacts to Black Stars’ penalty against South Africa

• Mike Tyson ‘died’ after smoking toad venom for first time

• Delay cautions Kuami Eugene, Kidi over their lookalikes trending on social media

In terms of U.S. equivalent album units earned – a number that comprises traditional album sales, streaming equivalent album (SEA) units and track equivalent album (TEA) units – 30’s total stands at over 575,000, according to initial reports.

The current tracking week ends at the close of business on November 25. Billboard is scheduled to announce the album’s official final first-week numbers on Sunday, November 28, after MRC Data has completed processing the week’s data.

If 30 debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart dated December 4 (which reflects the tracking week ending November 25), it will mark Adele’s third No. 1. She previously topped the list with her last two studio albums, 25 (10 weeks in 2015-16) and 21 (24 weeks in 2011-12).

Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina, who is spear-heading the legislative effort, described the bill as a “compromise” with less onerous regulations than measures proposed earlier by other lawmakers including Democrats.

The legislation’s path in the Democratic-controlled House was uncertain. Mace, a first-term lawmaker, said the measure has five Republican co-sponsors.

Adult use of cannabis is legal in 18 U.S. states and allowed medically in 36 states. But it remains illegal under federal law, which has deterred banks and other investors from involvement with companies that sell marijuana or related products.

“This bill would also support businesses, in particular small businesses. That’s very important,” Mace told a news conference. “If we were to pass this bill today … businesses would operate and be legal and regulated just like alcohol.”

MORE:

• Growing your own marijuana is legalised in Italy

• Beyoncé reveals why she is building her own marijuana farm

• Why is cigarette legal and marijuana still illegal in Ghana? – Dumelo asks

Titled the States Reform Act, the Republican legislation would defer to state authorities on matters of prohibition and regulation.

It would prohibit marijuana use by those under 21, restrict advertising, protect access to hiring and benefits for veterans who have used cannabis and expunge the records of people convicted on nonviolent, cannabis-only related offenses.

The bill diverges in several important ways from draft legislation proposed in July by Senate Democrats including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Mace’s bill would impose a 3% excise tax on cannabis, compared to an increasing Senate tax proposal that would top out at around 25%.

Where the Senate proposal would give the Food and Drug Administration a primary oversight role, the Republican legislation limits FDA involvement to medical marijuana and makes the Treasury’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau the primary regulator for interstate commerce.

The multiple award-winning artiste disclosed not long ago that he has only received ¢2,000 as royalties since he became a musician.

The latest to join the list is Hiplife artiste Kwaw Kesse, who has disclosed that he has relocated abroad due to royalties issues in Ghana.

“I have been doing music in Ghana for like 20 years and giving back to back hits, but I never received anything in terms of copyright, royalty or any money that is due me, so I had to channel my energy to a different vibe, to a place where they will appreciate me and pay me for my efforts,” the rapper, born Emmanuel Kofi Botchwey, said on Hitz FM.

MORE:

• Another top Nigerian celebrity gushes over Kotoka Airport [Video]

• Tyrone Marghuy tops class in Science & Elective Maths despite admission woes

• Women rejected me out of fear that I’ll turn into a snake – Diabolo

Kwaw Kesse, who has been out of the country for close to three years, said that though the conversation is often brought up, nothing is done about it, and then it later dies down.

“We have to be able to feed family and stuff like that,” he said.

When questioned on whether or not he is a registered member of the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO), ‘Abodam’ as he is affectionately called, said, “I don’t see GHAMRO as any serious association so let’s forget about them.”

The Madtime Entertainment boss is currently promoting his latest song ‘BumBum’, which features Yaw ToG, Skonti, Ypee and Akata Yesu.