The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s former Minister for Finance, in connection with the status of his current stay in the U.S., according to a public notice issued by his legal team.
The announcement, dated January 7, was released by the law firm Menka-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners, who represent Mr. Ofori-Atta in the ongoing matter.
In the statement, the lawyers clarified that Mr. Ofori-Atta has a pending petition for adjustment of status, a legal process that allows individuals to remain in the U.S. beyond the expiration of their visa while awaiting a change in immigration classification.
“Mr. Ofori-Atta has a pending petition for adjustment of status, which authorizes a person to stay in the US legally past the period of validity of their visa. Under US law, a change of status by this method is common,” the lawyers explained.
They emphasized that the former minister is fully cooperating with ICE and that his U.S. legal team is actively engaged with immigration authorities to resolve the matter expeditiously.
Adjustment of status is a legal mechanism under U.S. immigration law that allows eligible individuals to apply for lawful permanent resident status (a green card) without having to return to their home country. During this process, applicants are typically allowed to remain in the U.S. legally, even if their original visa has expired.
The legal team’s statement appears aimed at quelling speculation surrounding the nature of the detention. While some media outlets have linked the incident to broader legal issues in Ghana, the lawyers have made it clear that the matter is strictly related to immigration status and not to any criminal wrongdoing.
“The Public is therefore advised to note that Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta as a law-abiding person is fully cooperating with ICE to have this issue resolved,” the statement concluded.
It remains to be seen how quickly the U.S. immigration authorities will process the adjustment petition. In the meantime, Mr. Ofori-Atta’s legal team is urging the public and media to avoid speculation and allow the legal process to unfold.
