The United States (US) has commended the government led by President John Dramani Mahama for its continued cooperation in efforts to combat cybercrime, describing the partnership as crucial to regional and global digital security.
Speaking at a roundtable discussion at the embassy last Friday, December 12, 2025, the Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Ghana, Rolf Olson, said Ghana’s collaboration with American agencies has strengthened information sharing, improved law enforcement capacity, and supported investigations into cross-border cybercrime activities.
He said the suspects were accused of crimes including online impersonation and defrauding victims of millions of dollars.
He made the remarks at an event attended by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for West Africa at the US Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs, William B. Stevens.
Olson clarified that extradition does not automatically result in imprisonment, stressing that the accused are entitled to due process under US law and can only be punished if found guilty by a court.
“We go through a formal legal process to request that someone be arrested first because they may not necessarily be in prison, and then they are legally sent to the United States to stand trial. Everyone gets a fair trial. They’re not guilty. They will be firmly innocent until proven guilty,” he said.
He added that convictions could lead to prison sentences, depending on the nature of the offences established in court.
“These are the kinds of people who, obviously, if proven guilty in court, they should be in prison. They shouldn’t be out being able to take advantage of, particularly older people, although any of us, I think, obviously, would be horrified at the idea of being a victim of this kind of crime,” Olson stated.
Cooperation
The Chargé d’Affaires praised the Ghanaian government, particularly the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, for what he described as strong cooperation in the fight against cybercrime.
He described the extradition of nine individuals within a single year as an “extraordinary achievement” and commended Ghanaian authorities for their commitment to law enforcement and the rule of law.
“Extradition of nine individuals from Ghana in one year is an extraordinary achievement, and the cooperation with the government, obviously with the President, the Attorney General, Interior Minister, has been extraordinary. It’s been a really strong collaboration,” he said.
Extradition requests
Olson said the United States remains committed to working closely with Ghana to combat cybercrime and protect citizens from financial fraud. He also indicated that the US is open to receiving extradition requests from other countries, including Ghana.
“We are always open to receiving extradition requests. That is absolutely a firm part of any good bilateral relationship, and certainly ours. The process of evaluating an extradition request, on the American side, is very well established,” he said.
He explained that extradition procedures are often lengthy and subject to judicial review, noting that final decisions lie with US judges, who may approve or reject such requests.
“There’s no individual case that can be prejudged because US judges make decisions on this. And they are, of course, a separate branch of government. So, they have the ability to approve or disapprove a request. But we’re always open to that kind of collaboration,” he added.
Deportation
On deportation, Olson said President Donald Trump has made tackling illegal immigration a priority, resulting in the removal of some foreign nationals unlawfully present in the United States.
He said the US is committed to securing its borders and enforcing immigration laws while respecting individual rights. He also noted that the US has agreements with several countries, including safe third-country arrangements, which allow individuals to seek refuge elsewhere if they cannot remain in the United States.
Olson commended the Ghanaian government for its cooperation in facilitating the return of Ghanaian nationals and other West Africans who have exhausted all legal options in the US.
Cybercrime has become an increasing concern in West Africa, affecting financial systems, public institutions, and individuals.
Both Ghana and the United States stressed that sustained cooperation, policy alignment, and capacity building will be essential in addressing emerging cyber threats and ensuring a safer digital environment.
