U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, his lawyers said on Wednesday, citing issues related to his current immigration status in the United States.
In a statement issued late Wednesday, the law firm Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners (MPOBB) said the detention was administrative and linked to his stay in the country. The firm said Ofori-Atta’s U.S. legal team was in contact with ICE and expected the matter to be resolved quickly.
“Mr. Ofori-Atta has a pending petition for adjustment of status, which authorizes a person to stay in the U.S. legally past the period of validity of their visa,” the statement said.
It added that such applications are routine under U.S. immigration law. “Under U.S. law, a change of status by this method is common,” the lawyers said.
The firm said Ofori-Atta was cooperating fully with immigration authorities. “The public is, therefore, advised to note that he is a law-abiding person and is fully cooperating with ICE to have this issue resolved,” the statement said.
Ofori-Atta, who served as Ghana’s finance minister for several years, is currently in the United States. ICE did not immediately comment on the case.
