The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained Ghana’s former Minister for Finance, Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta, over issues concerning the status of his stay in the United States.
This was disclosed in a public notice issued on January 7 by his legal representatives, Menka-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners.
According to the notice, Mr. Ofori-Atta’s U.S.-based legal team is currently engaging ICE officials and expects the matter to be resolved promptly.
The lawyers explained that the former Finance Minister has a pending petition for adjustment of status, a process under U.S. immigration law that allows an individual to remain legally in the country beyond the validity period of their visa.
“Mr. Ofori-Atta has a pending petition for adjustment of status, which authorizes a person to stay in the U.S. legally past the period of validity of their visa. Under U.S. law, a change of status by this method is common,” the statement said.
They further assured the public that Mr. Ofori-Atta is cooperating fully with U.S. immigration authorities. “The public is therefore advised to note that Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta, as a law-abiding person, is fully cooperating with ICE to have this issue resolved,” the lawyers added.
Mr. Ofori-Atta is currently in the United States seeking medical care for a long-standing illness.
Meanwhile, the former Finance Minister is wanted in Ghana by the Attorney-General and the Office of the Special Prosecutor in connection with alleged offences linked to the SML deal, the National Cathedral project, and other matters.
Although his legal team has earlier assured authorities of his willingness to return to Ghana to respond to the allegations, his current detention by U.S. immigration officials has introduced fresh uncertainty about the timeline for his return, as efforts continue to resolve his immigration status.
