A United States immigration judge has approved a permanent residency application by former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, finding that the corruption allegations brought against him by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) were not supported by credible and reliable evidence.
In a ruling dated June 15, 2026, Judge David Gardey explained that the OSP’s affidavit relied largely on conclusory allegations rather than persuasive evidence demonstrating criminal conduct or personal enrichment. After reviewing more than 70 criminal counts submitted by the OSP, including allegations of conspiracy and the misuse of public funds, the judge concluded that the supporting documentation did not substantiate the claims.
According to the ruling, Mr. Ofori-Atta testified credibly before the court, denying that he personally benefited financially or received any improper gains from decisions taken during his tenure as Finance Minister.
The court considered the allegations as part of a broader assessment of whether Mr. Ofori-Atta’s positive equities outweighed adverse immigration factors, including a visa overstay. In its decision, the judge identified several factors that weighed in the applicant’s favour.
These included Mr. Ofori-Atta’s longstanding educational and professional ties to the United States, the fact that he had received medical treatment in the country, and that he has a son who is a US citizen. The court also noted that he has no criminal record in the United States.
The ruling further referenced the withdrawal of an Interpol Red Notice linked to the Ghanaian allegations, the absence of any extradition request from the US Department of Justice, and the findings of a KPMG review, which identified administrative weaknesses but did not establish criminal wrongdoing.
Judge Gardey ultimately concluded that, taken together, Mr. Ofori-Atta’s favourable equities and the lack of substantiated evidence supporting the pending allegations warranted the granting of permanent residency.
