A judge presiding over the United States court hearing involving Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has granted a request by his lawyers for the proceedings to be held privately.

The decision followed overwhelming public interest in the virtual hearing scheduled for January 20, which attracted a large number of participants after the access link was made public.

Many Ghanaians logged onto the virtual platform, where Mr Ofori-Atta was seen wearing a dark blue shirt and a face mask.

As attendance increased, the court experienced technical challenges which eventually led to a shutdown of the session.

Subsequently, the court announced that Mr Ofori-Atta’s legal team had formally requested a private hearing, a plea which the judge granted.

The former Finance Minister is before the court in connection with the revocation of his United States visa, a matter that could determine whether he remains in the country or faces deportation.

Mr Ofori-Atta is currently in the United States seeking medical treatment for a long-standing illness.