Date of when Ofori-Atta’s visa will expire surfaced

Legal counsel for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta, Frank Davies, has provided details on his client’s detention by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

According to a report by myjoyonline.com, the lawyer confirmed that Ken Ofori Atta was taken into ICE custody due to issues related to his visa status.

He explained that the former finance minister’s visa was due to expire on February 14, 2025, and that he had already begun the process to have it extended.

Mr Davies said the visa extension is necessary to allow his client to continue receiving medical treatment in the United States, which was the reason for his travel. He added that US authorities will decide whether the request is justified.

“Ken Ofori-Atta left here, and then he gave notice that he was going for a medical procedure that had been done. And if we all know what he’s suffering from, it is not easy. After that, he has to go through a period of recuperation.

“And that is exactly what he is doing. He is in constant consultation with his medical team, and if they advise that at the stage at which they are, it is imperative for him to continue to remain in the States so that they can attend to him, what exactly is wrong with that?” the lawyer is quoted to have said.

He added, “If you visit a country and, for some reason, are unable to leave when you are supposed to, you apply to extend your stay. What is so strange about that? Yes, he has applied for an extension, and the petition is with ICE. They will determine it, and in the fullness of time, we will all know whether the petition has merit or not.”

Frank Davies rejected claims that there was anything improper about seeking the visa extension, describing it as a standard immigration procedure.

“This is a normal practice in every jurisdiction. If someone is unable to leave a country when their visa expires due to unforeseen circumstances, they apply for an extension,” he said.

Ofori Atta’s US based lawyers announced his detention by ICE in a public notice issued on January 8, 2025.

Ken Ofori Atta is currently a suspect in several criminal investigations by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor, which has declared him wanted and placed him on an Interpol Red Notice…CONTINUE MORE READING>>>