Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has secured a significant legal victory in the United States after an immigration court approved his application to adjust his immigration status, clearing the way for him to pursue lawful permanent residency.
The ruling was delivered on Monday during proceedings on his I-485 petition, a crucial step in the U.S. immigration process for obtaining a Green Card.
According to his lawyer, Frank Davies, the court examined issues relating to ongoing criminal investigations and charges facing Mr. Ofori-Atta in Ghana.
The judge reportedly raised concerns about aspects of the actions taken by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), particularly the circumstances under which Mr. Ofori-Atta was previously declared a fugitive from justice.
During the hearing, it was noted that the declaration was made while the former minister was receiving medical treatment in the United States and while his legal representatives were reportedly still in communication with investigators in Ghana.
The court also heard testimony from a witness with expertise in international policing and Interpol procedures, who questioned aspects of the process used by Ghanaian authorities in pursuing the case.
Mr. Ofori-Atta remains the subject of multiple criminal investigations in Ghana stemming from his tenure as Finance Minister, including allegations linked to financial irregularities. One such case involves claims that a contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited resulted in a loss of over GH¢1.4 billion to the state.
While the U.S. ruling does not affect ongoing criminal proceedings in Ghana, legal observers suggest it could have implications for future efforts by Ghanaian authorities to secure his return for questioning or trial.
The substantive cases remain under the jurisdiction of Ghanaian courts and are expected to proceed under domestic legal processes.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) had previously initiated steps toward securing an INTERPOL Red Notice in 2025 after Mr. Ofori-Atta allegedly failed to respond to multiple invitations for questioning. However, the notice was later removed by INTERPOL.
The developments add a new dimension to an already high-profile case that continues to draw significant public and political attention in Ghana.
