Former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori‑Atta has formally applied to extend his stay in the United States, his lawyer has confirmed. The move comes amid public attention and speculation about his immigration status, as Ofori‑Atta continues ongoing medical treatment and recovery abroad.
Ofori‑Atta’s visa is set to expire on February 14, 2026, making the extension request necessary. His lawyer, Frank Davies, emphasized that the application is a routine immigration process and urged the public to avoid speculation about his stay.
I. Legal Justification for the Extension
Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story, Davies explained that Ofori‑Atta had initially travelled to the U.S. for a medical procedure, which has since been completed. However, he remains under close medical supervision, and health advisors recommend that he continues treatment and monitoring before returning to Ghana.
Davies stressed that when a person cannot leave a country before a visa expires due to medical reasons, it is lawful to apply for a stay extension. “This is a normal legal procedure,” he added, urging the public to differentiate between routine extensions and visa violations.
II. Detention and Legal Status
Reports indicate that Ofori‑Atta was briefly detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over questions regarding his immigration status. His legal team confirmed that the situation was addressed promptly, and the extension request is currently under review by ICE and the Department of Homeland Security.
Davies clarified that this process is entirely lawful and not equivalent to overstaying a visa. The legal team remains confident that the extension will be processed according to standard immigration protocols.
III. Public and Government Reactions
Ofori‑Atta’s stay abroad comes amid heightened attention in Ghana over ongoing investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and other legal matters. Some commentators have expressed concern about his extended absence, prompting debate about his obligations in Ghana.
Davies reiterated that the visa extension is fully legitimate and that Ofori‑Atta is following proper legal and medical guidance. The lawyer emphasized that the process protects Ofori‑Atta’s rights while allowing him to receive the necessary medical care abroad.
IV. Next Steps in the Extension Process
As of now:
- Ofori‑Atta’s extension request is under review by U.S. immigration authorities.
- If approved, he can lawfully remain in the U.S. for the duration of his medical treatment.
- If denied, standard immigration rules will apply, requiring him to return to Ghana.
His legal team continues to monitor the situation and expects a decision within the coming weeks, emphasizing that the process is routine and procedural.
V. Implications for Ghana
Ofori‑Atta’s extension has sparked discussions about:
- The intersection of health and legal obligations for public officials
- Transparency and public perception regarding high-profile figures abroad
- Legal procedures for foreign stays under medical grounds
The case also highlights the importance of following due process in immigration matters, reinforcing the principle that health concerns can justify lawful extensions of stay in foreign countries.
