Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has recorded a significant legal success in the United States after an immigration court approved his application to adjust his immigration status, moving him a step closer to obtaining lawful permanent residency.
The ruling was delivered during proceedings on Monday, where the court considered Mr Ofori-Atta’s I-485 petition, a crucial component of the U.S. permanent residency process. The decision marks an important development in the former minister’s legal circumstances abroad, even as he continues to face criminal investigations and charges in Ghana.
According to reports from the hearing, the court reviewed information relating to the criminal proceedings currently underway against Mr Ken Ofori-Atta in Ghana. Testimony was also presented by a witness with expertise in international policing and INTERPOL procedures, who reportedly raised concerns about certain aspects of the approach adopted by Ghanaian authorities.
Particular attention was given to the actions of Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), including its earlier decision to declare the former finance minister a fugitive from justice. The court reportedly heard that the declaration was made while Mr Ofori-Atta was undergoing medical treatment in the United States and while his legal team remained in communication with investigators in Ghana.
While the U.S. immigration ruling does not interfere with or overturn any criminal proceedings in Ghana, legal analysts suggest it could have implications for future efforts to secure his return to the country. Any such efforts would likely involve additional legal and diplomatic considerations, especially if he successfully obtains permanent resident status.
Mr Ken Ofori-Atta remains under investigation and faces multiple allegations linked to decisions made during his tenure as Finance Minister. Among the matters under scrutiny are claims that a contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited resulted in financial losses exceeding GH¢1.4 billion to the state.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has also been pursuing separate investigations into the former minister’s conduct. In June 2025, the OSP initiated steps to secure an INTERPOL Red Notice after alleging that Mr Ofori-Atta had failed to honour several invitations to be questioned. However, the notice was subsequently removed by INTERPOL.
Despite the latest development in the United States, the substantive criminal cases against Mr Ofori-Atta remain before Ghanaian authorities and are expected to proceed through the country’s judicial system. The outcome of those proceedings will ultimately determine his legal standing in relation to the allegations levelled against him.
By: Janice Opoku-Agyemang
