Ofori-Atta’s US residency approval shifts focus to Ghanaian authorities, lawyer says
The legal team of former Finance Minister Kenneth Ofori-Atta says a recent decision by a United States immigration court has significantly changed his circumstances abroad, leaving Ghanaian authorities to determine how they intend to proceed in matters involving the former minister.
Speaking after confirmation that Ofori-Atta had secured permanent resident status in the United States, his lawyer, Frank Davies, said the ruling effectively settles his client’s immigration position and removes uncertainty surrounding his stay in the country.
According to Mr Davies, the application for adjustment of status was approved following proceedings involving US immigration authorities and legal representatives acting on behalf of the former finance minister.
The development comes at a time when public attention remains focused on Ofori-Atta’s interactions with Ghana’s investigative agencies, particularly the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), which has sought his cooperation in ongoing investigations.
Asked whether the latest ruling would affect expectations for his client’s return to Ghana, Mr Davies maintained that decisions on any future arrangements now rest with the relevant Ghanaian institutions.
He stated that Ofori-Atta would continue to reside in the United States under his newly granted permanent resident status, adding that it was not his role to comment on how Ghanaian authorities might respond to the situation.
The lawyer also indicated that immigration proceedings previously expected to continue later this year have effectively been concluded as a result of the court’s decision.
Mr Davies further reiterated the position of his client regarding allegations of wrongdoing, insisting that neither Ofori-Atta nor his legal team has received formal notice of criminal charges before any court in Ghana.
According to him, the absence of official notification makes it difficult for the former minister to respond to claims that he is the subject of active criminal proceedings.
The latest development is likely to intensify debate over the next steps available to Ghanaian authorities as efforts continue to secure the cooperation of the former finance minister in matters under investigation.
While the Office of the Special Prosecutor has yet to publicly comment on the reported immigration ruling, attention is expected to turn to whether the decision will have any bearing on future engagements between the former minister and Ghanaian investigators.
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