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Former Ghana Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has won a legal victory in the United States after an immigration court approved his application for lawful permanent residency, a development that could complicate ongoing efforts by Ghanaian authorities to bring him back to face criminal charges.
The ruling was delivered on Monday, June 15, during proceedings involving his I-485 application, which is the main form used to apply for permanent residency in the United States.
His lawyer, Frank Davies, told the court that the case considered issues relating to ongoing investigations in Ghana, including the declaration of Mr. Ofori-Atta as a fugitive from justice by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). He argued that the declaration was made while his client was undergoing medical treatment in the United States and that his legal team was still cooperating with investigators in Ghana at the time.
A witness with knowledge of international policing and INTERPOL procedures also testified, reportedly raising concerns about how Ghanaian authorities handled the process.
Mr. Ofori-Atta is currently facing multiple corruption-related allegations in Ghana, including claims that a contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited caused a financial loss of over GH¢1.4 billion (about $91 million) to the state.
In June 2025, the OSP moved to secure an INTERPOL Red Notice after he allegedly failed to respond to invitations for questioning, although the notice was later removed by INTERPOL.
Story by Efua Nessa