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Two Ghanaians described as being of “high interest” to the Government of Ghana are expected to be extradited from the United States, signalling deepening security and law enforcement cooperation between Ghana and the United States.
The disclosure was made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, following a high-level bilateral meeting between Ghanaian and United States officials held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to review progress made in 2025 and outline priority areas for cooperation in 2026.
According to Mr. Ablakwa, the United States Government has assured Ghana that, without prejudice to ongoing judicial processes, it “will not stand in the way” of Ghana’s efforts regarding the removal of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and former MASLOC Chief Executive Sedina Tamakloe Attionu.
The talks were hosted by Mr. Ablakwa and attended by a US delegation led by Acting US Ambassador to Ghana, Rolf Olson. Both sides acknowledged improved security collaboration, which resulted in the extradition of nine suspects from Ghana to the United States in 2025, alongside ongoing processes to return the two Ghanaians from the US.
On migration and mobility, Ghana welcomed the outcome of negotiations that have kept the country exempt from US visa sanctions and the US$15,000 visa bond imposed on some other countries. “Ghana remains exempt from these measures,” the Minister noted.
Trade and economic cooperation also featured prominently during the discussions. The meeting acknowledged the removal of a 15 percent tariff previously imposed by the Trump administration on a range of unprocessed and semi-processed agricultural products from Ghana, with both sides expressing satisfaction with its implementation.
Mr. Ablakwa further announced progress on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), revealing that the US House of Representatives voted 340 to 54 to extend the programme by three years. Ghana is now awaiting final approval from the US Senate, with the extension expected to boost garment production and employment.
The meeting also touched on travel arrangements related to the FIFA World Cup, with the United States assuring Ghana that special measures have been introduced to fast-track visa applications and address delays in securing appointments.
Discussions further covered recent payments made by Ghana to US companies, improvements in the business environment, plans for a new health cooperation programme, and Ghana’s intention to negotiate a bespoke trade agreement with the United States in 2026.
