VIRGINIA, June 15, 2026 – A United States immigration court has approved an adjustment of status petition, Form I-485, for former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, clearing the way for him to obtain lawful permanent residency, also known as a green card.
The decision was handed down during proceedings in Virginia this week.
Court Decision Amid OSP “Wanted” Status
The judge reviewed Ofori-Atta’s immigration status alongside concerns raised over his reported designation as a wanted individual by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor, OSP.
Despite those concerns, the court granted the I-485 petition. Adjustment of status allows certain people already in the U.S. to apply for a green card without leaving the country. Approval means U.S. immigration authorities determined he met the legal requirements for permanent residency under American law.
From Visa Revocation to Green Card
The approval comes after a turbulent period for the former minister.
1. 2025: Ofori-Atta had his U.S. visa revoked.
2. Detention: He was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, while his immigration case was pending.
3. Legal Team: His lawyers included former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft. The team petitioned the court to adjust his status and avoid deportation to Ghana.
The court’s ruling effectively halts any deportation proceedings tied to his prior visa status.
What This Means Now
With the I-485 approved, Ofori-Atta can proceed to receive his green card. That gives him the right to live and work permanently in the U.S. He will still need to comply with all U.S. laws and immigration conditions.
The ruling is separate from proceedings in Ghana. The OSP designation as a “wanted individual” remains a Ghanaian legal matter. U.S. immigration courts do not try foreign criminal allegations but can consider them when assessing immigration eligibility.
What’s Next
Updates are expected on both fronts:
1. U.S.: Completion of green card processing and any conditions attached by USCIS.
2. Ghana: How the OSP and Ghanaian authorities respond to the U.S. court’s decision.
Ofori-Atta served as Ghana’s Finance Minister from 2017 to 2024. He has previously denied wrongdoing in cases being pursued by the OSP.