An American immigration court has granted former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s request to adjust his status, clearing the way for his lawful permanent residency.
During Monday’s hearing on his I-485 petition, the judge reviewed the active criminal investigations and charges Ofori-Atta faces in Ghana.
The court scrutinised actions by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), specifically its previous classification of Ofori-Atta as a fugitive.
Evidence and expert testimony on international policing highlighted that this declaration occurred while Ofori-Atta was undergoing medical treatment in the US and while his legal team was actively communicating with Ghanaian investigators.
Although Ofori-Atta still faces multiple criminal charges in Ghana tied to his ministerial tenure, this American ruling does not halt those domestic proceedings.
However, legal experts suggest the decision may complicate future efforts by Ghanaian authorities to extradite him, even as the substantive criminal cases continue under Ghana’s jurisdiction.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana