Josiah
Former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta is scheduled to appear before a United States immigration court today, Tuesday, January 20, 2026, over alleged immigration violations.
According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Ofori-Atta is accused of overstaying his visitor visa, a situation that reportedly led to the loss of his lawful immigration status in the United States. The outcome of the court proceedings is expected to influence any future decision regarding his possible extradition to Ghana.
However, Ofori-Atta’s legal team has rejected claims that he is unlawfully present in the U.S. Speaking in a telephone interview on Metro TV’s on Monday, January 12, 2026, his lawyer Frank Davies explained that his client had already initiated steps under U.S. immigration law to regularise his stay before ICE intervened.
According to Mr Davies, the immigration authorities are pursuing proceedings aimed at securing a deportation order, based on the assertion that Ofori-Atta is an illegal immigrant. He maintained that this claim is inaccurate, stressing that an application for adjustment of immigration status had already been filed on Ofori-Atta’s behalf.
He explained that such applications are a routine legal process when a visitor believes there is a legitimate need to remain in the country beyond the original duration of their stay. In Ofori-Atta’s case, the petition was submitted before the expiration of his authorised period.
Mr Davies further clarified that the court sitting scheduled for January 20 is a procedural immigration hearing known as a “notice to appear.” He described it as an administrative step rather than a determination of guilt or deportation.
He added that under U.S. immigration law, deportation cannot legally proceed while an application for adjustment of status remains pending before the court.
Mr Davies also criticised public comments made by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Ayine, and his deputy, suggesting that Ofori-Atta’s visa had expired or been revoked. He described the statements as inconsistent and potentially misleading, noting that they had contributed to public confusion surrounding the case.
Source: Omanghana.com
