Ofori-Atta trying to gain US permanent residency through son – Kpebu

Renowned private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu says information available to him shows former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta is seeking permanent residency in the United States through his son.

According to Mr Kpebu, the process is already underway and is being pursued through a petition filed by Ofori-Atta’s son, who is a United States citizen. He explained that the application aims at adjusting the former minister’s immigration status to that of a permanent resident.

In an interview on TV3, the lawyer said public statements issued by Ofori-Atta’s legal team have validated claims he made weeks earlier, which were initially met with scepticism.

“The lawyers admit that Ofori-Atta has a pending petition before the immigration authorities of the US to adjust his status in the US,” Kpebu stated. “That phrase, ‘to adjust his status in the US,’ is the part of it that says that he has applied to become a permanent resident.”

He stressed that the clarification from the former finance minister’s lawyers aligns with intelligence he received roughly two months ago.

“I mentioned earlier that the information I got about two months ago was that his son had applied for him to become a permanent resident,” he said. “When I first mentioned it, people were asking for my source, and some doubted it.”

Kpebu explained that US immigration laws permit citizens to file residency petitions for their parents, although the process can take time.

“Yes, if you are a citizen of the US, you can file for your father or your mother, but it takes some time, and that’s the process he is going through,” he added.

The lawyer further outlined the benefits that come with permanent residency, describing it as far more advantageous than holding a visitor or business visa.

“From the name ‘permanent resident,’ it means that he will be able to stay in the US without requiring a visa,” Kpebu said. “He can travel anywhere and return freely, which is better than those using B1 or B2 visas.”

He noted that permanent residency confers broader rights within American society, unlike short-term visitor arrangements.

Kpebu also criticised the Office of the Special Prosecutor over its handling of the Ofori-Atta case, arguing that delays have worked in the former minister’s favour.

He said earlier calls for the former finance minister to be tried in absentia were ignored, allowing him additional time to explore legal and immigration options abroad.