A United States immigration court has approved the I-485 adjustment of status petition filed by Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s former Minister of Finance, granting him a pathway to lawful permanent residency (Green Card) in the United States.
According to a press release issued today by his legal team, the court reviewed evidence concerning actions by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
This included the OSP’s decision to declare Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice while he was reportedly receiving medical treatment in the US and while his lawyers maintained communication with Ghanaian investigators.
The US court found the criminal charges pursued against him in Ghana, not credible.
According to a statement signed by Justice Kusi-Minkah Premo Esq., solicitor for Mr. Ofori-Atta, the ruling was issued strictly within the framework of US immigration proceedings and focused solely on whether Ofori-Atta satisfied the legal criteria for adjustment of status.
Ofori-Atta, who served as Finance Minister under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, has faced multiple investigations by the OSP related to alleged financial improprieties during his tenure.
Ghanaian authorities declared him a fugitive in early 2025 after he failed to appear for questioning, leading to an Interpol Red Notice and extradition efforts.
He has been in the United States since 2025 amid visa and immigration proceedings.
The development comes after several court adjournments in the US immigration case, including hearings earlier this year. Ghanaian officials have previously indicated that the outcome of the US proceedings could impact extradition efforts.
This ruling allows Ofori-Atta to regularize his status in the US but does not resolve the ongoing criminal investigations in Ghana or preclude future extradition requests.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
