'Ghana criminal charges not credible in immigration case' - Ofori-Atta's lawyers cite US court

Lawyers for embattled former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta have claimed that a US immigration court found allegations linked to criminal proceedings in Ghana did not meet the threshold of credibility within the context of an immigration case involving their client.

In a statement issued on June 16, 2026, the lawyers said the court found the criminal charges cited in the proceedings to be lacking credibility for the purposes of the immigration matter before it.

“The Court finds the criminal charges in Ghana not credible,” the statement said, following a review of evidence presented in relation to actions taken by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) including the declaration of Ofori-Atta as a fugitive from justice while he was reportedly undergoing medical treatment in the United States.

According to the statement, the court also considered claims that Ofori-Atta’s legal representatives in Ghana remained in continuous communication with investigators during the period in question, a factor that was raised in challenging the basis for the fugitive designation.

“The court also examined claims that Ofori-Atta’s legal representatives in Ghana remained in continuous communication with investigators during the period in question, a factor raised in challenging the basis for the fugitive designation,” the statement noted.

OSP reacts to US immigration ruling on Ken Ofori-Atta

However, the lawyers stressed that the ruling was made strictly within the framework of US immigration law.

“The court's decision was focused on whether Ofori-Atta met the legal requirements for adjustment of status,” the statement added, emphasising that the findings do not constitute a final determination on any criminal liability in Ghana.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Special Prosecutor has maintained that Ken Ofori-Atta’s reported acquisition of lawful permanent residency in the United States does not affect the criminal charges he faces in Ghana or ongoing efforts to secure his extradition.

According to the OSP, any immigration status granted by US authorities has no bearing on the legal proceedings pending against the former Finance Minister under Ghanaian law.

Read the full statement below:

MRA/MA

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