Legal Team Denies Visa Breach, Insists Ofori-Atta Complied With U.S. Due Process
Frank Davies, a member of the legal team of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, has dismissed claims that his client overstayed his visa in the United States, insisting the former minister followed due process by applying for an extension on medical grounds.
“This is not a case of overstaying,” Davies said. “He has applied for an extension of his resident period. If he had overstayed, he would have been repatriated or deported by now.”
His comments come amid widespread public speculation following reports that the former finance minister had been detained by US immigration authorities. Davies clarified that Ofori-Atta currently has a petition pending before the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), seeking approval to remain in the country lawfully while his application is reviewed.
“He has a petition pending, and it is incumbent on the authorities to assess it on its merits and make a decision one way or the other—whether to grant the extension or deny it,” he stated.
Davies also rejected suggestions that the situation is connected to any extradition attempts by Ghanaian authorities, including the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) or the Attorney-General’s Department.
He spoke on Asaase Radio.
The former finance minister has been a central figure in Ghana’s political discourse in recent months, particularly following investigations into aspects of his tenure at the Finance Ministry. This has heightened public interest in any legal developments involving him.
“Our counterpart lawyers in the US are working around the clock. He is safe where he is, and there is nothing complicated about this process,” he said.
He added that the team expects clarity on the matter within the week and urged the public to ignore misinformation circulating online.
