Former Finance Minister of Ghana, Ken Ofori-Atta, is seeking permanent residency in the United States while contesting immigration proceedings, as Ghanaian authorities pursue his extradition over multiple corruption charges.

Immigration case in the US

Ken Ofori-Atta is currently being held at an U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Virginia after his arrest in January for overstaying his visa.

His lawyer, Enayat Qasimi, told Semafor that the former minister is pursuing what he described as a “pathway to residency” instead of returning to Ghana.

According to the defence, concerns about judicial independence in Ghana and claims of political targeting are central to his decision to remain in the United States.

Extradition request from Ghana

The Office of the Attorney General in Ghana has formally requested his extradition, with US authorities confirming receipt of the request.

However, Ghanaian officials have not publicly commented further on the ongoing process.

Court proceedings

Ken Ofori-Atta is expected to reappear before the Annandale Immigration Court in Virginia on April 27, following an adjournment of his immigration case.

His initial appearance took place virtually in January before David Gardey, where issues including bond and case review were discussed.

Court documents indicate that his visa was due to expire in February but was later revoked by US authorities. He had reportedly been given until November 29 to leave the country but failed to do so, leaving him without lawful immigration status.

Closed-door hearing

During proceedings, his legal team successfully requested that hearings be held behind closed doors due to the sensitive nature of the case. The request was granted, and non-participants were asked to exit the session.

Charges in Ghana

Back in Ghana, Ken Ofori-Atta and five others are facing more than 70 criminal charges tied to corruption investigations.

The allegations include claims that a contract involving Strategic Mobilisation Limited resulted in financial losses exceeding GH¢1.4 billion to the state.

The case continues to unfold across both jurisdictions as legal processes advance.