Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s former Finance Minister, has garnered attention recently due to his detention in the United States related to his immigration status. His legal representatives confirm that this situation arises against a backdrop of pending corruption allegations against him in Ghana.
Previously, Ofori-Atta had been the subject of an extradition request from Ghana, which his legal team is currently contesting. They assert that the charges leveled against him are politically motivated.
According to his lawyers, Ofori-Atta left Ghana last year for medical reasons. On Wednesday, they confirmed his detention in the US, expressing optimism for a prompt resolution of the matter.
His attorneys emphasized that Ofori-Atta has been a “law-abiding” individual who is in the process of altering his immigration status to allow him to remain in the United States beyond the current validity of his visa.
As of now, representatives from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have not commented on the case.
Ofori-Atta is facing numerous charges linked to his tenure as Finance Minister, including conspiracy to commit procurement fraud and causing financial loss to the state. In February, he was declared a fugitive by Ghanaian prosecutors, who alleged he was attempting to evade investigators. However, this status was retracted after his legal team confirmed his intention to return.
His lawyer, Enayat Qasimi, reaffirmed Ofori-Atta’s commitment to comply fully with Ghanaian laws and to address any issues stemming from his time as finance minister. Ofori-Atta served in this role from January 2017 until February 2024 during the tenure of the New Patriotic Party.
Following the recent elections in December 2024, the National Democratic Congress, led by John Mahama, gained presidency and has vowed to intensify anti-corruption efforts.
Ghana and the United States maintain amicable relations and have worked together on various initiatives, including the repatriation of West African nationals. However, Ghana has expressed its disapproval of certain U.S. actions, such as the military intervention in Venezuela, which it condemned as an “invasion.”
This unfolding situation highlights the complexities of international law and political dynamics, particularly as they relate to allegations of corruption and governance.
Additional reporting by Daniel Dadzie
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