Former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been granted permanent residency in the United States, according to his lawyer, in a development that comes amid ongoing legal and political controversy back home in Ghana.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, June 16, by his attorney, Justice Kusi-Minkah Premo, who confirmed that a US immigration court approved Ofori-Atta’s application for a Green Card through Form I-485.
Ofori-Atta, 66, has been living in the United States since January 2025, when he traveled for medical treatment. His care reportedly included surgery related to prostate cancer, and he has remained in the country since then.
His immigration status came under scrutiny earlier this year when he was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while attempting to extend his stay. At the time, his legal team maintained that the detention was purely related to immigration matters and not connected to the corruption allegations he faces in Ghana.
In Tuesday’s statement, his lawyer said the immigration court granted the residency application and also made remarks questioning the credibility of the charges filed against him in Ghana. However, he emphasized that the decision was based on US immigration law requirements rather than a judgment on criminal guilt.
“The decision was focused on whether Mr Ofori-Atta met the legal requirements for adjustment of status,” the attorney noted.
In Ghana, Ofori-Atta’s legal troubles escalated in February 2025 when he was declared a fugitive by authorities after failing to appear for questioning. He was later formally charged with corruption in November of the same year.
Ofori-Atta served as Ghana’s finance minister from 2017 to 2024 under former President Nana Akufo-Addo Nana Akufo-Addo. During his tenure, he oversaw key economic policies, including controversial tax reforms and negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) aimed at stabilizing Ghana’s economy.
The corruption case is part of a broader anti-corruption drive under the administration of President John Mahama John Mahama. While supporters of the government say the campaign is aimed at improving accountability, critics argue it risks being politically motivated.
The granting of US permanent residency means Ofori-Atta can legally remain in the United States while legal proceedings continue in Ghana, potentially complicating efforts by authorities to bring him back to face trial.
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