Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been granted an adjustment of status in the United States after an immigration judge ruled that the positive factors in his case outweighed concerns arising from criminal allegations filed against him in Ghana.
The decision was delivered by Immigration Judge David Gardey, who approved Mr Ofori-Atta’s application after considering his longstanding personal, professional and family ties to the United States.
According to the court, Mr Ofori-Atta has spent decades in the US, where he pursued his education and built part of his professional career. The judge noted that he previously worked with leading financial institutions, including Morgan Stanley and Salomon Brothers.
The court also took into account his family circumstances, including the fact that he has a son who is a United States citizen.
In addition, Judge Gardey considered Mr Ofori-Atta’s medical condition, noting that his health had deteriorated following his detention in connection with the criminal allegations brought against him in Ghana.
“The court finds that the positive equities far outweigh the negative equities such that the court will exercise its discretion and grant the respondent’s request for adjustment of status,” Judge Gardey ruled.
Addressing the former Finance Minister directly, the judge acknowledged the challenges he had faced during the proceedings, stating that he had been afforded the opportunity to fully present his case and had established that he was entitled to remain in the United States under the adjustment of status process.
The ruling follows the court’s assessment of both the allegations raised against Mr Ofori-Atta and the mitigating factors presented in support of his application, ultimately concluding that the balance of equities favoured granting the requested immigration relief.
