Ofori-Atta’s visa expires Feb 14; lawyers confirm medical extension request

Legal counsel for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, Frank Davies, has provided further clarification on the circumstances surrounding his client’s detention by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stating that the matter is tied solely to immigration procedures.

According to Mr Davies, Mr Ofori-Atta’s visa is due to expire on February 14, 2025, and an application has already been filed to extend his stay in the United States on medical grounds.

Speaking in an interview reported by myjoyonline.com, the lawyer explained that the former finance minister travelled to the U.S. to undergo medical treatment and remains under the care of his doctors, who have advised continued stay for treatment and recovery.

He said Mr Ofori-Atta is in regular consultation with his medical team and that the decision to seek an extension is based on professional medical advice requiring him to remain in the country.

Mr Davies noted that the application for an extension is currently before U.S. immigration authorities, who will determine whether it meets the necessary requirements.

He dismissed suggestions that there was anything unusual about the process, describing it as standard practice under immigration law.

According to him, individuals who are unable to depart a country before their visa expires due to unforeseen circumstances are entitled to apply for an extension, and such applications are routinely assessed by immigration authorities.

“This is a normal process in any jurisdiction,” he said, adding that the petition has been submitted to ICE and a decision will be made in due course on its merits.

Mr Ofori-Atta’s U.S.-based lawyers earlier issued a public notice on January 8, 2025, confirming his detention by ICE.

The former finance minister is currently a suspect in several criminal investigations being conducted by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), which has declared him wanted and placed him on an Interpol Red Notice.

The investigations relate to multiple matters, including the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) revenue assurance contracts with the Ghana Revenue Authority, the termination of the ECG–Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC) contract, procurement and payments linked to the National Cathedral project, the purchase and servicing of ambulances for the National Ambulance Service, and the use of funds from the GRA’s Tax Refund Account.