Former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has reportedly been approved to continue the process of obtaining lawful permanent residency in the United States, according to statements from his legal representatives. The development comes amid ongoing investigations by Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) into multiple matters tied to his tenure from 2017 to 2024, including government contracts, spending on the National Cathedral project, and other public expenditures. Ofori-Atta has been residing in the US, where his lawyers state he is undergoing medical treatment. The OSP has previously declared him a fugitive from justice, citing his repeated failure to appear for questioning despite formal requests. His legal team maintains that he has engaged with the process through appointed representatives and has communicated his health situation to Ghanaian authorities. The reported US immigration decision has not been independently verified by official American immigration authorities. Legal analysts emphasize that US residency status carries no bearing on the validity or progression of criminal investigations in Ghana. The OSP has affirmed its intention to pursue all legal options to bring Ofori-Atta back to face questioning. The outcome of the investigations remains subject to Ghana's judicial system, regardless of his current location or immigration status. The reported approval affects only his ability to remain in the United States, not the scope or timeline of the allegations against him in Ghana.
Ofori-Atta is seeking to solidify his stay in the United States even as Ghana's anti-corruption agency labels him a fugitive. His legal team cites medical treatment as the reason for his absence, yet the reported immigration advance suggests a level of stability incompatible with urgent health constraints. While the OSP continues to demand his return, the lack of verified cooperation through in-person appearances weakens the credibility of his engagement. The residency development does not halt Ghana's investigations, but it does deepen the challenge of enforcing accountability across borders.
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