Ernest Darko Akore, a former Chef de Cabinet at Ghana's Ministry of Finance, has been charged in connection with the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) revenue assurance deal. He is wanted in Ghana alongside former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. Akore reportedly holds both a Ghanaian and a United States passport.
Akore is accused of conspiracy to cause financial loss to the republic. He is also charged with conspiracy to commit willful oppression and conspiracy to influence procurement processes unfairly. These charges stem from the SML scandal, a deal involving the government and a private company. The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) filed these charges in November 2025.
The SML deal has raised significant questions about public finance management in Ghana. This case highlights concerns over transparency in government contracts. It also reflects a broader pattern of investigations into financial impropriety within public institutions. Previous allegations of corruption have also affected Ghana's economic reputation.
The OSP has declared Ernest Akore wanted. He left Ghana on November 19, 2024, for New York. He travelled on a US passport. This development comes after former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta was arrested in the United States on January 6, 2026. Ofori-Atta is also facing charges related to the SML scandal.
Akore's dual citizenship complicates potential extradition processes. His US passport allows him to travel freely to the United States. This is different from Ofori-Atta, whose legal status in the US reportedly expired. Both individuals allegedly have no intention of returning to Ghana to face their charges. This situation puts further pressure on Ghana's justice system and its efforts to recover potential financial losses. The government faces scrutiny over accountability for public funds.