A United States immigration court has approved an application filed by former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, allowing him to move forward with obtaining lawful permanent resident status in the United States.
The decision followed a hearing on Monday, June 15, 2026, during which the court reviewed Ofori-Atta’s I-485 petition, a key step in the adjustment of immigration status process.
According to sources familiar with the proceedings, the judge closely examined the circumstances surrounding the criminal case currently pending against the former minister in Ghana.
The court reportedly raised questions about aspects of the process that led to the charges.
During the hearing, evidence was presented regarding actions taken by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
The court reportedly considered the OSP’s earlier decision to declare Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice while he was reportedly receiving medical treatment in the United States.
The judge also heard that his legal team had maintained communication with investigators in Ghana during that period.
Sources further indicated that a witness with expertise in Interpol operations and international law enforcement procedures criticised certain aspects of the approach adopted by Ghanaian authorities in handling the matter.
Ofori-Atta faces multiple charges in Ghana related to his time as Finance Minister. While the case remains before the courts, some legal analysts have questioned the basis of the allegations and the manner in which the proceedings have unfolded.
The judge reportedly explored whether the overall circumstances aligned with a routine criminal prosecution. However, the court did not make any finding on the validity of the charges or Ofori-Atta’s culpability.
Instead, the ruling focused solely on U.S. immigration law and whether Ofori-Atta satisfied the requirements for an adjustment of status.
The court also considered whether the issues presented during the hearing had any bearing on that application.
The decision does not affect the ongoing legal proceedings in Ghana, where the courts retain full authority over the case.
Questions surrounding the charges and any potential trial remain matters for Ghana’s judicial system.
Nonetheless, the ruling could complicate future efforts by Ghanaian authorities to secure Ofori-Atta’s return to face the charges brought against him.
