Former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has scored a major legal win in the United States (US) after an immigration court granted his request to alter his immigration status, clearing the path for him to receive lawful permanent residency.
The ruling came on Monday, June 15, during a hearing where the court reviewed Mr Ofori-Atta’s I-485 application, a crucial stage in the process of gaining permanent resident status in the United States.
According to his attorney, Frank Davies, the court looked into matters tied to the criminal probes and charges now pending against the former minister in Ghana.
The judge reportedly flagged concerns over some of the circumstances connected to steps taken by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
During the session, focus was placed on the OSP’s prior labelling of Mr Ofori-Atta as a fugitive from justice.
The court reportedly was told the declaration was issued while the former minister was undergoing medical care in the United States and when his lawyers were still in talks with investigators in Ghana.
A witness versed in international policing and Interpol protocols also gave evidence, reportedly raising questions about parts of the approach used by Ghanaian authorities in handling the matter.
Mr Ofori-Atta still faces several criminal charges in Ghana stemming from actions taken while serving as Finance Minister. While the decision has no bearing on the criminal cases ongoing in Ghana, legal analysts think it may shape future moves by Ghanaian authorities to secure Mr Ofori-Atta’s return to answer the charges.
The main criminal cases against the former minister remain within the authority of Ghana’s courts and are set to continue under Ghanaian law.
