US immigration court finds Ghanaian criminal charges against Ken Ofori-Atta not credible in immigration case
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Lawyers for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta stated on June 16, 2026, that a US immigration court found allegations linked to criminal proceedings in Ghana lacked credibility within the context of an immigration case involving their client. The court reviewed evidence related to actions by Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor OSP, including declaring Ofori-Atta a fugitive while he was undergoing medical treatment in the United States. The court also considered that Ofori-Atta's legal representatives in Ghana maintained continuous communication with investigators. However, the lawyers emphasized that this ruling was strictly within US immigration law, focusing on Ofori-Atta's eligibility for adjustment of status, and does not determine criminal liability in Ghana. The OSP maintains that Ofori-Atta's reported acquisition of lawful permanent residency in the US does not affect the criminal charges he faces in Ghana or efforts to secure his extradition, asserting that US immigration status has no bearing on legal proceedings under Ghanaian law.
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Former Member of Parliament for Kumbungu, Ras Mubarak, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to suspend all current and future extradition requests from the United States. This appeal follows a US immigration court's decision on June 15, 2026, to grant former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta lawful permanent residency. Mubarak also advocated for halting defense cooperation with the US until Ofori-Atta is returned to Ghana to face legal proceedings. He emphasized a "quid pro quo" approach, stating that Ghana should leverage its position. Ofori-Atta faces multiple criminal allegations in Ghana, including claims of financial irregularities that allegedly caused over GH垄1.4 billion in losses to the state. His lawyer, Frank Davies, stated that the US court reviewed the criminal investigations and allegations against Ofori-Atta in Ghana, including a declaration by the Office of the Special Prosecutor that he was a fugitive. The court was informed that this declaration occurred while Ofori-Atta was receiving medical treatment in the US and his legal team was engaging with Ghanaian investigators. A witness with expertise in international policing reportedly questioned aspects of the process used by Ghanaian authorities in the case.
The Ghana Health Service GHS has issued a public caution regarding an elevated risk of disease outbreaks as the rainy season begins. In a statement released on June 16, 2026, the GHS explained that early rains can wash fecal matter and other waste into water sources, increasing the likelihood of waterborne illnesses like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. The GHS advises the public to maintain clean surroundings, eliminate stagnant water, clear bushes, and ensure proper food preparation and handling. Residents are also urged to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables, practice regular handwashing, and seek early medical attention for illness symptoms. Additionally, the GHS noted that stagnant water creates breeding grounds for insect vectors, raising the threat of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and dengue fever. Food vendors are specifically advised to adhere to hygiene standards, source ingredients from approved suppliers, separate raw and cooked foods, and ensure valid food handling certifications. The GHS also warned that heavy rains and subsequent flooding could displace reptiles like snakes, increasing human encounters, and recommended keeping environments clean, closing potential entry points, and elevating stored items. The Service reaffirmed its commitment to public health, emphasizing that community cooperation is vital in preventing seasonal outbreaks.
Six government-sponsored Ghanaian master's students at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom have renewed calls for urgent intervention regarding unpaid tuition fees and living stipends. The students, Noah Krah, Emmanuel Boakye, George Osei Buabeng, Abena Fosuaa Gyasi, Irene Pomaa Kumi, and Dwomoh Evelyn, stated that the Government of Ghana, through the Ghana Scholarships Authority, has not paid any tuition fees or stipends since they arrived in the UK in September 2024. The total outstanding obligation is 拢238,852, comprising 拢154,000 in tuition fees for the 2024/2025 academic year and 拢84,852 in stipend arrears from September 2024 to September 2025. This amounts to GH垄3,420,360.00 at an exchange rate of GH垄14.32 to 拢1. The students allege they were compelled to forfeit 12 months of unpaid stipends to obtain a "Letter of No Objection" for a UK Graduate Visa. They have completed all academic requirements but cannot graduate or receive certificates due to the unpaid fees. They have faced severe financial hardship, relying on support from friends, church members, and charitable organizations. The students are urging the government to provide a definite payment date and settle all outstanding obligations before Loughborough University's graduation ceremony on July 7, 2026.