Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has secured approval for lawful permanent residency in the United States after a US Immigration Court granted his I-485 Green Card petition.
In a release dated June 16, and issued by his legal representatives, Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline & Partners, the court considered evidence relating to actions taken by Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), including its earlier decision to declare Mr Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice.
According to the statement, the court heard that the declaration was made while the former minister was reportedly undergoing medical treatment in the United States and at a time when his lawyers remained in communication with investigators in Ghana.
The release further stated that the court found the criminal charges against Mr Ofori-Atta in Ghana “not credible.” However, it noted that the ruling was made within the context of US immigration proceedings and focused specifically on whether he met the legal requirements for adjustment of status.
“The court’s decision was focused on whether Mr Ofori-Atta met the legal requirements for adjustment of status,” the statement said.
The approval of the I-485 petition paves the way for Mr Ofori-Atta to obtain lawful permanent resident status in the United States, commonly referred to as a Green Card.