Josiah
A United States immigration court has approved an I-485 adjustment of status petition filed by Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, allowing him to continue the process toward lawful permanent residency in the United States, according to reports by Asaase News.
The decision was made on Monday during proceedings in which the court reviewed Mr Ofori-Atta’s application for adjustment of status. The ruling moves him a step closer to obtaining a US Green Card, though it remains within the procedural framework of US immigration law.
Sources familiar with the hearing told Asaase News that the presiding judge expressed concerns about the circumstances surrounding criminal proceedings initiated against the former minister in Ghana.
According to the reports, the court examined evidence linked to actions taken by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), including its earlier designation of Mr Ofori-Atta as a fugitive from justice. This reportedly occurred while he was receiving medical treatment in the United States and while his legal representatives remained in communication with investigators in Ghana.
Witness said to be associated with Interpol and familiar with international law enforcement procedures reportedly also raised concerns about aspects of how the Ghanaian case was handled.
Mr Ofori-Atta is currently facing multiple charges in Ghana related to his tenure as Finance Minister. However, aspects of the case have been questioned by some legal analysts in Ghana, particularly regarding procedure and timing.
Sources say the US judge questioned whether the totality of circumstances presented by Ghanaian authorities aligned with what would be expected in a straightforward criminal prosecution.
