Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is facing potential deportation from the United States after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers on Tuesday for overstaying his visa, but his legal team is mounting a challenge to extend his stay.
Attorney Frank Davies, speaking to JoyNews, confirmed that U.S.-based counsel has filed a petition seeking permission for Ofori-Atta to remain in the country to complete ongoing medical treatment.
“He’s been there for a medical procedure, and he is still undergoing treatment in consultation with the medical team. He has been advised to remain and continue with the repetitive procedures being administered,” Davies said.
He explained that without formal approval, exceeding visa limits renders the stay illegal under U.S. immigration rules: “If you would like to remain beyond the limit of your visa, you will have to apply. Otherwise, your stay becomes illegal, and you would have to be repatriated.”
Ofori-Atta, a key figure in the previous Akufo-Addo administration, has been in the U.S. since early 2025 citing health reasons—a position consistently upheld by his representatives.
The development coincides with domestic probes by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor, which has charged him in absentia with corruption-related offenses.
Davies expressed optimism that the extension petition will succeed, allowing treatment continuation. No timeline has been provided for ICE’s decision on the matter.
