Former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is seeking permanent residency in the United States even as simultaneously contesting an extradition request from Ghana, where he faces multiple corruption charges. Ofori-Atta was arrested by U.S. Immigration officials in January for overstaying his visa and is currently detained at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Virginia.
The move to seek residency, rather than return to Ghana, was revealed by Ofori-Atta’s lawyer, Enayat Qasimi, in an interview. Qasimi stated his client is pursuing a “pathway to residency” in the U.S. And fears he would not receive a fair trial in Ghana. “He has a ‘pathway to residency’ that he would pursue,” Qasimi said.
Qasimi further argued that there are “serious questions” about the independence of Ghana’s judiciary, alleging that Ofori-Atta has been the subject of a “political witch hunt” related to allegations of financial impropriety during his tenure as Finance Minister from 2017 to 2024. The Ghanaian Office of the Attorney General has declined to comment on these claims.
Ghanaian authorities have formally requested Ofori-Atta’s extradition, a request that U.S. Officials have confirmed receipt of. The extradition request is currently under consideration by U.S. Authorities.
Ofori-Atta’s case was adjourned after an initial hearing before the Annandale Immigration Court in Virginia in January, presided over by Judge David Gardey. The proceedings centered on a bond redetermination and a review of his immigration status. He appeared virtually from the Caroline Detention Facility. His visa was revoked by U.S. Authorities after it was due to expire in February and court documents show he was previously directed to depart the U.S. By November 29 of last year but did not comply.
Back in Ghana, Ofori-Atta and five others are facing over 70 criminal charges related to corruption investigations. A key allegation centers on a contract involving Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML), which authorities claim resulted in a financial loss of over GH¢1.4 billion to the state. The investigation into these allegations is being framed by the current administration of President John Dramani Mahama as a key test of its anti-corruption agenda, having returned to power last year promising accountability for economic mismanagement.
Ofori-Atta served as Finance Minister under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, who is also his cousin, from 2017 to 2024. His time in office coincided with a period of significant economic challenges for Ghana, including soaring debt, currency instability, and rising inflation.
Ofori-Atta is next scheduled to appear before the Annandale Immigration Court in Virginia on April 27.
