The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained Ghana’s former Minister for Finance, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, over the status of his current stay in the United States.
This was disclosed in a public notice issued by his lawyers, Menka-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners, on January 7.
According to the notice, Mr Ofori-Atta’s US legal team is in contact with ICE and expects the matter to be resolved expeditiously.
“Mr Ofori-Atta has a pending petition for adjustment of status, which authorises a person to stay in the United States legally beyond the period of validity of their visa. Under US law, a change of status by this method is common,” the lawyers explained.
They added that, “The public is therefore advised to note that Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, as a law-abiding person, is fully cooperating with ICE to have this issue resolved.”
Mr Ofori-Atta is currently wanted by the Attorney-General and the Office of the Special Prosecutor in relation to investigations into matters including the SML deal and the National Cathedral project, among others.
He is presently in the United States seeking medical care for a long-standing illness.
Although his lawyers have previously assured the public that they would ensure his return to Ghana, recent developments suggest that the former Finance Minister may not return to the jurisdiction anytime soon.
source: 3news
