US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s former Minister for Finance, as authorities assess the legality of his current residency status in the country.
In a public notice dated January 7, the law firm Menka-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners confirmed the development, stating that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s legal team in the US is actively engaging with ICE to ensure a swift resolution of the matter.
According to the lawyers, Mr. Ofori-Atta has a pending petition for adjustment of status, a legal process that allows an individual to remain in the United States beyond the validity period of their original visa.
“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 statement explained.
The legal team emphasized that the former finance minister is cooperating fully with US immigration authorities.
“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 lawyers stated.
No further details were provided on the timeline for resolving the matter, but the legal team expressed confidence that the situation would be addressed in accordance with US immigration laws.