Ofori-Atta granted permanent US residency in the United States

Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been granted permanent residency in the United States after a US immigration court approved his Green Card petition.

The development was announced in a press release signed by his solicitor, Justice Kusi-Minkah Premo, on June 16, 2026, following proceedings that examined legal actions initiated by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

According to the statement, the court considered evidence regarding the OSP’s earlier decision to declare Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice while he was reportedly receiving medical treatment in the United States and his lawyers were in communication with investigators in Ghana.

“Ken Ofori-Atta’s Green card I-485 petition has been granted by the US Immigration Court,” the statement said.

The release further indicated that the court examined the circumstances surrounding Ghana’s criminal proceedings as part of its immigration assessment.

“The Court finds the criminal charges in Ghana not credible,” the statement noted, adding that the ruling was delivered within the context of a United States immigration proceeding.

The legal team, however, clarified that the decision did not amount to a determination of guilt or innocence regarding the allegations facing the former minister in Ghana.

“The court’s decision was focused on whether Mr Ofori-Atta met the legal requirements for adjustment of status,” the statement added.

Ofori-Atta has remained in the United States since January 2025, where he has been undergoing medical treatment.

In Ghana, the former finance minister is the subject of investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor over alleged corruption and financial misconduct linked to several transactions, including the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) revenue assurance contract and other major state projects.

He was subsequently declared a wanted person and fugitive by Ghanaian authorities, prompting international measures, including an Interpol Red Notice and extradition efforts.

Later in 2025, Ofori-Atta and six other individuals were formally charged with more than 70 counts relating to alleged corruption offences.

He was also detained by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) earlier this year after his visa was revoked.

The OSP and AG are yet to comment on the development.