Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has secured a significant legal victory in the United States after an immigration court approved his application to adjust his immigration status, a major step toward obtaining lawful permanent residency in the country.
The ruling was delivered on Monday during proceedings in which the court considered Ofori-Atta’s I-485 petition, a key component of the U.S. permanent residency process.
According to his lawyer, Frank Davies, the court examined issues relating to the criminal investigations and charges currently facing the former Finance Minister in Ghana. During the hearing, the judge reportedly raised concerns about certain circumstances surrounding actions taken by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
Particular attention was given to the OSP’s earlier decision to declare Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice. The court reportedly heard that the declaration was made while the former minister was undergoing medical treatment in the United States and at a time when his legal representatives were still engaging with investigators in Ghana.
Evidence was also presented by a witness with expertise in international policing and Interpol procedures. The witness reportedly questioned aspects of the process adopted by Ghanaian authorities in pursuing the case against the former minister.
Despite the court’s approval of his residency application, Ofori-Atta remains the subject of multiple criminal investigations and charges in Ghana linked to decisions taken during his tenure as Finance Minister.
Legal observers note that while the U.S. immigration ruling does not affect the criminal proceedings pending before Ghanaian courts, it could have implications for any future efforts by Ghanaian authorities to secure his return to face the charges.
The substantive cases against Ofori-Atta remain under the jurisdiction of Ghana’s judicial system and are expected to proceed in accordance with Ghanaian law.
Among the allegations facing the former minister are claims of financial irregularities, including accusations that a contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited resulted in losses exceeding GH¢1.4 billion to the state.
The latest ruling marks an important development in Ofori-Atta’s legal and immigration situation abroad, even as his legal challenges in Ghana continue to unfold.
