Ken Ofori-Atta was detained by US ICE
Legal counsel for embattled former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, Frank Davies, has given details on the detention of his client by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to a report by myjoyonline.com, Ofori-Atta’s lawyer affirmed that his client ended up in the custody of ICE because of issues relating to his visa.
He indicated that the former finance minister’s visa was set to expire on February 14, 2025, and he has started the process to get it extended.
He said that Ofori-Atta needs his visa extended so that he can continue seeking medical attention that took him to the US in the first place, adding that the American authorities would soon determine whether his application 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.”
Ken Ofori-Atta arrested and detained in the US
Frank Davies refuted assertions that there was something wrong with the move to get his client’s visa extended, saying the application is a routine immigration process.
“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 American lawyers issued a public notice on his detention by ICE on January 8, 2025.
Ofori-Atta is a suspect in multiple criminal investigations by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor, which declared him wanted and placed him on an Interpol Red Notice.
See details of the US ICE facility where Ken Ofori-Atta is being held
Below are the cases the OSP has declared Ofori-Atta wanted for:
1. Contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority, aimed at enhancing revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and the minerals and metals resources value chain.
2. Termination of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC) for the Distribution, Loss Reduction, and Associated Network Improvement Project.
3. Procurement of contractors, materials, and payments related to the National Cathedral project.
4. Activities and payments associated with a contract awarded by the Ministry of Health (initially commenced by the Ministry for Special Development Initiatives) to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase and after-sales service and maintenance of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 305 CDI ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.
5. Payments and utilisation of funds from the Tax Refund Account of the Ghana Revenue Authority.
BAI
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