Ghanaian personalities react to Ken Ofori-Atta's US residency status
via GhanaWeb2 min read
A US immigration court's decision to grant former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, lawful permanent residency has sparked diverse reactions in Ghana. Former Member of Parliament for Kumbungu, Ras Mubarak, called on President John Dramani Mahama to suspend all US extradition requests and defense cooperation until Ofori-Atta returns to Ghana. The Office of the Special Prosecutor OSP clarified that Ofori-Atta's US residency does not affect ongoing allegations or extradition efforts, emphasizing that criminal proceedings in Ghana will continue and investigations remain active. Democracy activist and lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor dismissed the significance of the Green Card approval, suggesting that immigration status should not prevent legal accountability. Davis Ansah Opoku, Vice Chairperson of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee, proposed a trial in absentia if extradition efforts are delayed, asserting that Ghanaian law applies regardless of citizenship or immigration status. These reactions follow reports of the US immigration court granting Ofori-Atta's I-485 petition for lawful permanent residency, intensifying discussions around his ongoing investigations and potential return to Ghana.
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Ahead of Ghana's match against Panama in Canada, Ghanaian supporters are showing significant excitement, with many gathering at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle area to purchase Black Stars jerseys and other national team merchandise. A video shared on X on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, captured the lively atmosphere at Circle, where football enthusiasts were buying jerseys. This activity highlights the strong support Ghanaians have for their national team. The Kwame Nkrumah Circle has become a central point for fans eager to display their support for the Black Stars, and vendors have noted a rise in demand for Ghana jerseys before the country's first match. Many supporters were seen wearing the national colors as anticipation for the tournament increases.
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