Ken Ofori-Atta wins US residency ruling amid Ghana corruption case
Former Ghana Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has won approval in a United States immigration court to adjust his immigration status, clearing the way for him to pursue lawful permanent residency.
Former Ghana Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has won approval in a United States immigration court to adjust his immigration status, clearing the way for him to pursue lawful permanent residency.
The ruling, delivered on Monday, came during consideration of his I-485 application, a key stage in the US permanent residency process.
His lawyer, Frank Davies, said the court examined the ongoing criminal investigations and charges facing Mr Ofori-Atta in Ghana during the hearing.
According to reports from the proceedings, the judge raised questions about aspects of the actions taken by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor, including its earlier designation of the former minister as a fugitive from justice.
That declaration was reportedly made while Mr Ofori-Atta was receiving medical treatment in the United States and amid ongoing engagement between his legal team and investigators in Ghana.
The court also heard testimony from a witness described as having expertise in international policing and Interpol procedures, who questioned elements of the process used by Ghanaian authorities in pursuing the case.
Mr Ofori-Atta remains under investigation in Ghana over multiple allegations linked to his time as finance minister, including claims of financial irregularities involving a contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited, which authorities say resulted in losses exceeding GH¢1.4 billion.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has also pursued separate actions, including steps toward
an INTERPOL Red Notice in June 2025 after Mr Ofori-Atta reportedly failed to respond to invitations for questioning. The notice was later withdrawn.
The US court decision does not affect proceedings in Ghana, where the criminal cases remain active and will continue under domestic law.
However, legal analysts say the ruling could have implications for future attempts by Ghanaian authorities to secure his extradition.
The substantive cases against Mr Ofori-Atta remain before Ghana’s courts.