Frank Davies, lawyer for former Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta, says any attempt by the Ghanaian government to extradite his client to face trial in several cases will be strongly contested.

Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Sunday, March 15, 2026, Davies indicated that Ofori-Atta and his international legal team are prepared to challenge such attempts and will fight to ensure he emerges victorious in his bid to secure permanent residency in the United States.

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His comments follow reports that Ofori-Atta is seeking permanent residency in the United States rather than returning to Ghana, where he believes he may not receive a fair trial.

“The government has put in an extradition request, [following what] will be an extradition proceeding. So, one way or the other, there is every indication that this matter will be contested. So, when we get there, we will cross,” he said.

“I believe the intention of the extradition is to have Ken removed from the US and be brought down to Ghana,” he added.

Ofori-Atta is currently being held at an immigration detention facility in Virginia after he was arrested by US immigration authorities in January 2026 for allegedly overstaying his visa.

Earlier in an interview, one of his lawyers, Enayat Qasimi, said the former minister intends to remain in the United States and pursue legal pathways to residency.

According to Qasimi, his client believes returning to Ghana could expose him to an unfair legal process.

“He has a ‘pathway to residency’ that he would pursue,” Qasimi said.

According to a report on myjoyonline.com on March 15, 2026, the lawyer also argued that there were “serious questions” about the independence of Ghana’s judiciary, adding that Ofori-Atta had been subjected to a “political witch hunt” that could affect the fairness of any trial related to allegations of financial impropriety during his time in office between 2017 and 2024.

US officials have confirmed that the extradition request from Ghana has been received and is being considered.

Ofori-Atta is expected to appear again before the Annandale Immigration Court in Virginia on April 27, 2026, after his immigration case was adjourned.

He first appeared before the court in January during a virtual hearing presided over by Judge David Gardey.

Ofori-Atta seeks US residency amid corruption charges in Ghana – Lawyer

The proceedings focused on a bond redetermination and an initial review of his immigration status.

MAG/VPO

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