U.S. Court Grants Green Card to Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta | Discuss Ghana

Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has won a major legal battle in the United States regarding his immigration status. A U.S. Immigration Court has officially approved his I-485 petition, granting him a Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as a Green Card.

A formal press release issued on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, by his legal team at Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline & Partners, confirmed the court's decision. Lead solicitor Justice Kusi-Minkah Premo Esq. explained that the American court reviewed evidence surrounding the continuous corruption investigations led by Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). After checking the facts, the U.S. court stated it did not find the criminal allegations coming from Ghana to be credible, allowing Ofori-Atta to legally adjust his status and stay in the United States.

The Fugitive Label and the Medical Trip

The legal document explains the background of the long-standing international case:

The Fugitive Declaration: The defense team highlighted that the OSP had previously declared Ofori-Atta a "fugitive from justice" at a time when he was already in the U.S. receiving necessary medical treatment.

Lawyers Were Talking: His lawyers emphasized that they were actively communicating with Ghanaian investigators while he was away, proving he was not hiding from the law.

Strictly Immigration Rules: The press release clarified that while the judge criticized the credibility of Ghana’s charges, the ruling was strictly focused on whether Ofori-Atta met all legal requirements to get his U.S. permanent residency.

KEN OFORI-ATTA U.S. LEGAL STATUS REPORT (JUNE 16, 2026):
┌────────────────────────────────────────┐      ┌────────────────────────────────────────┐
│          THE GHANAIAN EXTRA-TRADITION  │      │         THE U.S. COURT VERDICT         │
├────────────────────────────────────────┤      ├────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ • OSP Claim: Declared wanted fugitive  │  ──  │ • Status: Granted permanent residency  │
│   over financial loss & procurement    │  ──  │   (Green Card I-485 status approved)   │
│ • Defense: Away on medical ground;     │      │ • Credibility: Court found political   │
│   lawyers were actively in touch       │      │   charges from Ghana "not credible"    │