An immigration court granted former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s request to modify his immigration status, opening the door for him to gain lawful permanent residency. This is a major legal success for Ofori-Atta.
The ruling was made on Monday during the court’s consideration of Mr. Ofori-Atta’s I-485 petition, which is a crucial step in obtaining US permanent resident status.
Frank Davies, his attorney, said that the court looked at matters pertaining to the criminal investigations and charges that the former minister is currently facing in Ghana.
According to reports, the judge voiced reservations regarding several situations related to the activities conducted by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). The OSP’s prior designation of Mr. Ofori-Atta as a fugitive from justice was brought up during the hearing.
According to what the court heard, the statement was made while the former minister was undergoing medical care in the United States and while his attorneys were still communicating with Ghanaian investigators.
A witness with knowledge of international law enforcement and Interpol protocols also provided testimony. According to reports, the witness questioned several aspects of the method used by the Ghanaian police to pursue the case.
Mr. Ofori-Atta is still facing various criminal accusations in Ghana as a result of actions he made while serving as Finance Minister.
Legal commentators believe the verdict may have an impact on Ghanaian authorities’ future efforts to secure Mr. Ofori-Atta’s return to face the charges, even though it has no bearing on the ongoing criminal proceedings in Ghana.
Ghanaian courts continue to have jurisdiction over the substantive criminal cases against the former minister, and they are anticipated to proceed in compliance with Ghanaian law.
The former Finance Minister is accused of several financial irregularities, including that the state lost more than GH¢1.4 billion as a result of a contract given to Strategic Mobilisation Limited.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is also looking into him; in June 2025, they started the process of issuing an INTERPOL Red Notice after he allegedly ignored multiple requests to be questioned. INTERPOL later removed the alert.
Source: newsthemegh.com