Embattled former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, is seeking permanent residency in the United States amid multiple corruption charges levelled against him in Ghana, his legal team has confirmed.
The confirmation comes as Ofori-Atta remains outside the country, with ongoing legal efforts by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to secure his extradition appearing to stall.
According to sources close to the matter, the former minister’s legal strategy is now focused on solidifying his immigration status in the US. This development casts further doubt on his imminent return to Ghana to face the 34 counts of corruption and financial malfeasance leveled against him by the state.
Legal Turmoil in the US
Recent reports from US immigration courts indicate a setback for Ofori-Atta. Earlier this week, a US court denied him bail, ordering him to be detained as part of immigration proceedings. That ruling has intensified his legal battles on American soil, making an already complex extradition process even more difficult for Ghanaian authorities.
The denial of bail suggests that US immigration judges view him as a flight risk or a high-profile figure with contentious legal status, further complicating the efforts of the OSP to have him return home voluntarily or through formal channels.
Reactions in Ghana
News of the residency bid has sparked sharp reactions from Ghanaian lawmakers and anti-corruption advocates. Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson described the move as “a desperate attempt to evade justice.”
“How can someone who supervised the near-collapse of our economy and is accused of causing financial loss to the state now seek refuge in another country? This is a clear indication that he knows what awaits him if he returns,” Dr. Forson said in an interview.
On the other side of the aisle, Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has urged caution, stating that Ofori-Atta must be given a fair hearing wherever he is. However, Afenyo-Markin also faced scrutiny recently after being summoned over the display of Ofori-Atta’s portrait in Parliament, a move critics labelled as an attempt to honour a fugitive.
OSP’s Extradition Efforts Stall
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has come under pressure to expedite actions to bring Ofori-Atta back. Earlier this month, the OSP issued a statement indicating it was coordinating with international partners to advance the extradition process. However, legal experts now suggest that the US residency application could significantly delay or even block extradition if successful.
Lawyer for Ofori-Atta, speaking on condition of anonymity, maintained that his client is not fleeing but is “seeking legitimate immigration status to protect his safety and ensure he is not subjected to a politically motivated trial in Ghana.”
Political Fallout
Ofori-Atta, who served as Finance Minister for over seven years under the previous administration, has been at the centre of Ghana’s economic turmoil. His tenure saw Ghana default on its debts and enter a $3 billion bailout programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
With the former minister now detained in the US and fighting to stay, Ghanaian authorities face an uphill task in securing his return to face the charges. For now, the political temperature remains high, as citizens and lawmakers alike await the next twist in the high-stakes legal drama.
