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Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has recorded a major legal breakthrough in the United States after an immigration court approved his application to adjust his immigration status, clearing the path for him to obtain lawful permanent residency.
The ruling was delivered on Monday during proceedings on Mr Ofori-Atta’s I-485 petition, a crucial stage in the process of securing permanent resident status in the United States.
According to his lawyer, Frank Davies, the court reviewed issues relating to the criminal investigations and charges currently pending against the former minister in Ghana.
During the hearing, the judge is reported to have raised questions regarding certain actions taken by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), particularly its earlier decision to declare Mr Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice.
The court reportedly heard that the declaration was made while the former Finance Minister was undergoing medical treatment in the United States and at a time when his legal team was still engaging with Ghanaian investigators on his behalf.
Testimony was also presented by a witness with expertise in international policing and Interpol procedures, who reportedly challenged aspects of the process used by Ghanaian authorities in pursuing the case.
Mr Ofori-Atta is currently facing multiple criminal charges in Ghana linked to decisions and transactions undertaken during his tenure as Finance Minister.
Although the U.S. court’s decision has no direct impact on the criminal proceedings before Ghanaian courts, legal analysts suggest it could have implications for any future efforts by Ghanaian authorities to secure his return to face trial.
The criminal cases against the former minister remain active and are expected to proceed under the jurisdiction of Ghana’s judicial system in accordance with the country’s laws.