International corporate lawyer Victoria Bright has indicated that the extradition process involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and the convicted former MASLOC Chief Executive, Sedina Tamakloe-Attinou, could take up to three years to complete.

Speaking on the matter on the Newsfile on Saturday, January 17, Ms Bright highlighted the complexity of international legal procedures, noting that such cases often involve multiple judicial and diplomatic steps before finalisation.

"Extradition is a complex process, and it is a long process. Typically, it will take one to three years, and that is when it is going smoothly, so it is no surprise that it is taking that long (to extradite the suspects from the USA)," she said.

She also commended the current government for its handling of the issue, describing their efforts as diligent and in accordance with proper legal frameworks while she also observed the role of the erstwhile NPP administration.

"We have to give credit to this administration as well for following it through, because after all, NPP have been going on and on saying you are not doing anything, you just left it because it is one of your own, but they have done it actually, they have arrested both the NPP (Ken Ofori-Atta) person and the NDC (Sedina Tamekloe-Attinou) person on the same day," he said.

Following Sedina Tamekloe's arrest, she is scheduled to appear before a United States court on January 21, 2026. This is according to Ghana’s Ambassador to the US, Victor Smith.

Read also: Sedina Tamakloe set for January 21 US court hearing – Victor Smith

On the part of the former finance minister, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed that Mr Ofori-Atta overstayed his visitor visa and is considered an “illegal alien” under US immigration law.

Read also: US ICE confirms Ofori-Atta overstayed visa, describes him as ‘illegal alien’

Ken Ofori-Atta is also scheduled to appear in a US court to face charges of possessing an illegal visa, with his extradition likely to be determined following the court hearing.