Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has recorded a major legal success in the United States after an immigration court approved his application to adjust his immigration status, a decision that brings him closer to obtaining lawful permanent residency in the country.
The ruling was issued on Monday after the court reviewed Ofori-Atta’s I-485 petition, an important component of the process for securing a US Green Card. During the proceedings, the court also considered issues relating to the criminal investigations and charges currently pending against him in Ghana.
According to his lawyer, Frank Davies, the judge examined aspects of the actions taken by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), including its previous decision to declare the former minister a fugitive from justice.
The court reportedly heard that the declaration was made while Ofori-Atta was in the United States receiving medical treatment and at a time when his legal team was still communicating with investigators in Ghana. Testimony was also provided by a witness with expertise in international policing and Interpol procedures, who raised concerns about certain aspects of the process followed by Ghanaian authorities.
Although the US court’s decision relates solely to Ofori-Atta’s immigration status, legal analysts suggest it could have implications for any future efforts by Ghanaian authorities to seek his return to face prosecution.
The former finance minister continues to face several criminal allegations in Ghana linked to decisions made during his time in office. Among the claims under investigation is an allegation that a contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited caused a loss exceeding GH¢1.4 billion to the state.
Ofori-Atta is also being investigated by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, which in June 2025 initiated efforts to secure an INTERPOL Red Notice after he allegedly failed to honour multiple invitations for questioning. However, the notice was subsequently removed by INTERPOL.
Despite the favourable immigration ruling in the United States, the criminal cases against Ofori-Atta remain before Ghanaian courts and are expected to proceed under the country’s legal system.
Source: citinews
