Former Ghana Finance Minister Seeks US Residency Amid Corruption Allegations

Ken Ofori-Atta, the former Minister of Finance for Ghana, is pursuing permanent residency in the United States while facing multiple corruption-related charges in his home country. His case has drawn international attention as Ghanaian authorities seek his extradition.

Detention and Pursuit of Residency

Ofori-Atta is currently being held at an immigration detention facility in Virginia after being arrested in January 2026 for allegedly overstaying his visa . His lawyer, Enayat Qasimi, stated that Ofori-Atta intends to remain in the US and pursue legal avenues for residency . Qasimi argued that a return to Ghana could expose his client to an unfair legal process, citing concerns about the independence of the Ghanaian judiciary and alleging a “political witch hunt” .

Legal Proceedings in the US

A US court adjourned Ofori-Atta’s case to April 27, 2026, following a virtual hearing in January before Judge David Gardey . The hearing focused on bond redetermination and a review of his immigration status. His visitor visa was revoked by US authorities after it was due to expire in February 2026 . Court records indicate he was previously directed to leave the country by November 29, 2025, but failed to do so, resulting in a lack of lawful immigration status .

Corruption Allegations in Ghana

Back in Ghana, Ofori-Atta and five others face over 70 criminal charges related to corruption investigations . A key allegation involves a contract with Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML), which prosecutors claim caused a financial loss of over GH¢1.4 billion to the state .

Extradition Request and Government Response

Ghanaian authorities have formally requested the extradition of Ofori-Atta . US officials have confirmed receipt of the request and are currently considering it . Officials from the Office of the Attorney-General of Ghana have declined to comment on the claims made by Ofori-Atta’s legal team .

Background: Ken Ofori-Atta’s Career

Ken Ofori-Atta served as Ghana’s Minister for Finance and Economic Planning from January 2017 to February 2024 . He is a co-founder of Databank Group, a Ghanaian financial services company, and was its executive chairman until 2012 . He was appointed Finance Minister by his paternal cousin, President Nana Akufo-Addo . Prior to his ministerial role, Ofori-Atta held positions in investment banking and economic policy . He was briefly placed on a wanted list by Ghana’s special prosecutor in early February 2025 over financial misconduct charges, but his name was removed after he pledged to return voluntarily .

The case continues to unfold as legal proceedings progress in both the United States and Ghana.