The FBI don’t want Ofori-Atta to be moved about too much – Report
Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States has stated that there is no doubt about former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s Ghanaian nationality, following confirmation from United States immigration authorities that they are in possession of three of his Ghanaian passports.
Victor Smith, speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, said the issue of Ofori-Atta’s nationality has been resolved, describing the case as different from other immigration matters the Ghana mission has handled in recent months.
His remarks come amid heightened public attention after confirmation that Mr Ofori-Atta has been detained by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement over questions relating to his immigration status.
According to a statement from his legal team, the former finance minister is cooperating fully with ICE while steps are being taken to resolve the matter.
The lawyers explained that Mr Ofori-Atta has a pending petition for adjustment of status, which allows a person to remain in the United States beyond the validity of an initial visa.
However, Mr Smith indicated that developments could occur swiftly once the case is placed before an immigration judge.
“Well, my information is that on the Jan 20th, he may not be in court himself. It might be done virtually, because the FBI don’t want him to be moved about too much,” he said.
He added that the next step depends on the immigration judge’s decision. “Now it will be in front of an immigration judge, and if the immigration judge has no basis to keep him here longer, he will be on the next flight to Ghana. That’s what I know.”
Comparing the situation with other cases, Mr Smith explained that nationality verification often delays deportation processes because many detainees lack proper documentation.
“Some of the detainees with whom we’ve come into contact had no documents. They were undocumented, so we could not we had to try and prove that they were Ghanaians before they would make that determination to fly them out,” he said.
He noted that in some instances, cases remain unresolved. “So then sometimes they go to court, and we’re not able to finish that matter, because we cannot prove where they are coming from.”
He stressed that Ofori-Atta’s case is different.
“But in this particular special case, they have three of his passports, and all of them. So clearly, that is a Ghanaian,” he stated.
When asked to clarify, Mr Smith confirmed the type of passports held by ICE. “Yeah. I believe the new type, the biometric type, with a chip embedded. they said they have his three passports, and each one had the same details.”
He said the documents leave no doubt about his nationality. “So they have no reason to believe that he had another nationality.”
Although he could not confirm whether all the passports were valid at the time, Mr Smith said that does not affect the key issue before the immigration judge.
“Well, that was not told to me, but they said three passports, and none of them was any other country but Ghana’s passport. So I take it that the matter is settled. It’s a Ghanaian.”
He explained that once nationality is established, the remaining issue is immigration status.
“Now, if there is no basis to keep him here longer because his visa is out of status, he doesn’t have a visa to remain in this country, that is the easiest way to take him back to his country,” he said.
Addressing speculation about dual citizenship, the Ambassador said there is no evidence to support such claims.
“I don’t know. Well, initially there was like a suspicion, but there’s no evidence,” he said.
“So far, as far as ice is concerned, you haven’t had any evidence that he has some other passport, or has some other details other than what is in his passport.”
The case continues to draw attention in Ghana and internationally as developments unfold…CONTINUE MORE READING>>>