John Dramani Mahama has stated that the ongoing extradition proceedings involving Ghana’s former Finance Minister are beyond the authority of the Ghanaian government, as the matter falls under a separate legal jurisdiction.

Speaking at a Presidential Dialogue with Civil Society Organisations at Jubilee House on Monday, March 30, 2026, President Mahama explained that although Ghana has formally initiated an extradition request, the ultimate decision lies solely with judicial authorities in the United States.

“I cannot comment on the extradition of our former finance minister because it is in a different jurisdiction and I have no control over it,” he said.

He called for calm and patience, stressing that the legal system in the United States must be allowed to function independently and without interference.

“We have put in an extradition request, and so we just have to be patient for the laws to play out in that jurisdiction,” he added.

The President further clarified that the situation involves two distinct but related legal processes:Ghana’s extradition request and a separate immigration issue being handled by U.S. authorities.

“There are two parallel issues. One is the extradition request by Ghana, and the other is the immigration issue. The arrest was made by ICE for violating immigration status,” he explained.

President Mahama emphasised that the Ghanaian government has no influence over either process, as both fall under the jurisdiction of the American legal system.

“It is all in the hands of the American judiciary, and it is not within our effort to influence that,” he noted.

He concluded by reiterating the need for restraint and respect for due process, assuring that Ghana will abide by the outcome of the legal proceedings.

“We just have to be patient and see what comes out of it,” he said.