By Francis Kobena Tandoh
A United States Immigration Court has approved the Green Card application by former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, according to a statement from his lawyer on Tuesday.
According to the lawyers, the decision allows Mr Ofori-Atta to proceed with obtaining lawful permanent residency in the United States, where he is currently based.
“Ken Ofori-Atta’s Green card I-485 petition has been granted by US Immigration Court,” read the statement issued by Justice Kusi-Minkah Premo, Solicitor for Ken Ofori-Atta.
The claim, if confirmed, would mark a significant development in his ongoing legal and immigration situation.
Sources familiar with the case say the application was considered within the framework of US immigration law, specifically the I-485 process, which allows eligible applicants already in the United States to adjust their status to permanent residency without leaving the country.
The reported ruling is also said to have referenced concerns raised around the circumstances of criminal proceedings initiated against Mr Ofori-Atta in Ghana. These include actions by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), which previously declared him a fugitive from justice while he was reportedly receiving medical treatment in the United States and in contact with investigators through his legal representatives.
“The court heard evidence relating to actions taken by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor, including the OSP’s earlier decision to declare Mr Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice at a time when he was reportedly undergoing medical treatment in the United States and while his lawyers remained in communication with investigators in Ghana, added the statement.
Mr Ofori-Atta, who served as Finance Minister under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is facing multiple charges in Ghana relating to his tenure in office. The criminal proceedings in Ghana are continuing separately from any immigration-related matters in the United States.
Further verification is ongoing regarding the reported US court decision and its legal implications. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
