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.
Davies explained that Ofori-Atta lawfully entered the US on a visa issued for medical and professional purposes but later sought an extension and adjustment of status after doctors advised him to remain longer for treatment.
“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.
According to him, the detention is a standard administrative process under US immigration law and should not be misconstrued as punitive.
“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.
“Extradition proceedings have absolutely nothing to do with what is going on presently,” he insisted. “Anyone who equates a petition for adjustment of status under US immigration law to extradition proceedings clearly misunderstands the law.”
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.
Addressing concerns from Ghanaians, Davies assured that Ofori-Atta’s rights are fully protected under US law and that his legal team is actively engaging immigration authorities.
“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.
“We have put the facts in the public domain. Unfortunately, some people have chosen to sit on speculation, but the process is lawful and ongoing,” Davies added.
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