Ken Ofori-Atta’s Lawyer, Enayat Qasimi, believes his client may not receive a fair trial in Ghana on corruption-related charges and is seeking permanent residence in America.
He was arrested for overstaying his visa in January at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) facility in Virginia.
Ken believes he has an opportunity for permanent residency in the U.S. Qasimi said, “We will pursue [permanent residence in the U.S.]”
Qasimi expressed serious concerns about the independence of the judiciary in Ghana, claiming that Ken is a victim of a “political witch hunt,” and that he will not receive a fair trial on the alleged financial misappropriations for which he has been charged since serving from 2017, to 2024.
The Attorney General’s Office in Ghana has not commented on this matter.
In the meantime, the United States received an official request from the Ghanaian government to extradite Mr Ofori Atta from the U.S (according to Semafor). Following those requests, it was determined by the U.S authorities to send Mr Ofori Atta back to Annandale Immigration Court in Virginia on April 27.
Mr Ofori Atta’s first appearance before the court was during a virtual hearing in January before judge David Gardey. During this virtual hearing, the purpose was to preliminarily investigate the case and reconsider the amount of bond Mr Ofori Atta would need to secure his release from detention.
Mr Ofori Atta joined the hearing while physically at Caroline detention centre wearing a nose mask, glasses and black T-shirt.
After the January hearing, U.S authorities withdrew Mr Ofori Atta’s visitor visa (which expired in February). U.S. court ordered Mr Ofori Atta to depart the U.S by November 29 of 2025, which he did not do therefore leaving him to remain illegally in the U.S. (referencing reside illegally in the U.S)
Mr Ofori Atta’s counsel successfully argued for the bond hearing and master calendar proceedings to take place in camera due to their sensitive nature. The request was approved by the Court.
Mr. Ofori-Atta and five other individuals have more than 70 criminal charges stemming from multiple corruption probes. Accusations include allegations that Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML’s) contract caused the country to suffer over GH¢1.4 billion in damages.
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