Some have called for stronger action to secure his return to Ghana
The decision by a US immigration court to grant former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta lawful permanent residency has generated widespread discussion in Ghana with politicians, activists and state institutions offering differing perspectives on the implications of the ruling.
While some have called for stronger action to secure his return to Ghana, others insist the development does not affect ongoing legal proceedings against him.
This GhanaWeb article samples four of the top reactions to the development:
1. Ras Mubarak calls for suspension of US extradition requests
Former Member of Parliament for Kumbungu, Ras Mubarak has urged President John Dramani Mahama to suspend all pending and future extradition requests from the United States.
Reacting to the immigration court's decision, he argued that Ghana should also halt defence cooperation with the United States until Ofori-Atta is returned to face justice in Ghana.
According to him, the move would demonstrate Ghana's commitment to ensuring accountability in the matter.
OSP reacts to US immigration ruling on Ken Ofori-Atta
2. OSP insists court proceedings can still be pursued
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) clarified that Ofori-Atta's reported acquisition of lawful permanent residency in the United States does not affect allegations against him or efforts to extradite him.
Responding to the court ruling, the anti-graft body stressed that the immigration decision has no bearing on criminal proceedings in Ghana.
The OSP maintained that questions of guilt or innocence can only be determined by Ghanaian courts and that investigations involving the former minister remain ongoing.
3. Oliver Barker-Vormawor dismisses significance of the ruling
Democracy activist and lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor downplayed the significance of the Green Card approval.
In a brief social media post, he questioned why the development should attract considerable attention.
"Ken Ofori-Atta has been granted a green card. And so, what? Even Abu Trica who is a citizen, they want. Shalom," he wrote.
His remarks suggested that immigration status should not shield an individual from legal scrutiny or accountability.
Why Ofori-Atta's US immigration ruling doesn't block extradition — Amanda Clinton
4. Davis Ansah Opoku advocates for trial in absentia
Vice Chairperson of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Davis Ansah Opoku, has suggested that Ghana could pursue a trial in absentia if efforts to extradite Ofori-Atta face delays.
He maintained that citizenship or immigration status does not exempt anyone from Ghanaian law.
"Even a foreigner, somebody who is not even of a Ghanaian descent, when he commits a crime in our land, the person is punishable by Ghanaian laws. And so, the fact that somebody has gone for American citizenship or has gone for a green card doesn't mean that we cannot punish the person," he said.
According to him, trying the former minister in absentia could help speed up accountability processes and prevent unnecessary delays.
The reactions follow reports that a US immigration court granted Ofori-Atta's I-485 petition for lawful permanent residency after reviewing evidence related to his case.
The ruling has reignited debate over ongoing investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor and efforts to secure the former finance minister's return to Ghana.
MRA/VPO
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