Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has secured a major legal victory in the United States after an immigration court approved his application to adjust his immigration status, clearing the way for him to obtain lawful permanent residency.
The ruling was delivered on Monday, June 16, during proceedings that considered Ofori-Atta’s I-485 petition, a crucial step in the process of acquiring a U.S. Green Card.
According to details from the proceedings, the court reviewed evidence related to actions taken by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), including its earlier decision to declare the former minister a fugitive from justice.
The court reportedly examined circumstances surrounding the declaration, noting that Ofori-Atta was undergoing medical treatment in the United States at the time. At the same time, his legal representatives remained in communication with investigators in Ghana.
A key aspect of the ruling was the court’s assessment of the allegations against the former minister. The court stated that it found “the criminal charges in Ghana not credible.” However, the finding was made strictly within the context of the U.S. immigration proceedings and was not a determination of any criminal matter under Ghanaian law.
The immigration court’s primary task was to determine whether Ofori-Atta met the legal requirements necessary for an adjustment of status and permanent residency.
“The U.S. Immigration Court has granted Ken Ofori-Atta’s Green Card I-485 petition,” information from the proceedings indicated.
The decision marks a significant milestone for the former finance minister as he advances toward obtaining lawful permanent resident status in the United States.
While the ruling may attract attention in Ghana due to the ongoing investigations involving. Ofori-Atta, the court’s decision was focused solely on immigration matters and eligibility under U.S. law.
