Celebrating Ofori-Atta’s US residency ruling shameful — Manasseh Azure

Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure has criticised public celebrations surrounding former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s recent immigration court victory in the United States, describing it as misplaced and dishonourable in the context of ongoing legal scrutiny in Ghana.

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Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, June 20, Manasseh said he did not believe individuals linked to the former minister should be celebrating the development, arguing that it should not be viewed as an achievement.

“I don’t think people linked to him should be celebrating the way they are doing. I don’t think there is anything honourable about a man who has lived here, built companies, built a reputation getting himself into this SML scandal and running away from justice,” he said.

He further described the situation as a source of shame rather than pride, stressing that fleeing one’s country while facing allegations should not be glorified.

“It is not a badge of honour, it is a symbol of shame and we should keep it as such. It isn’t something worth celebrating that somebody is running away from his own country,” he added.

His comments come in the wake of a recent ruling by a United States immigration court granting Mr Ofori-Atta’s application to adjust his immigration status, clearing the way for him to pursue lawful permanent residency.

The decision was delivered during proceedings on Monday, where the court considered his I-485 petition, a key step in the U.S. immigration process.

During the hearing, the court reportedly examined issues connected to ongoing criminal investigations in Ghana, including actions by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), which had previously declared Mr Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice.

The court was also told that the declaration was made while the former minister was receiving medical treatment in the United States and while his legal team was still engaging Ghanaian investigators.

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Evidence presented in court reportedly questioned aspects of the procedures used by Ghanaian authorities in pursuing the case.

Although the ruling does not affect the criminal proceedings against Mr Ofori-Atta in Ghana, legal analysts say it could influence future efforts by authorities to secure his return to face trial.

Mr Ofori-Atta continues to face multiple allegations linked to financial irregularities, including claims that a contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited led to a loss of over GH¢1.4 billion to the state.

He is also under investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, which in June 2025 initiated steps toward an INTERPOL Red Notice after he reportedly failed to respond to several invitations for questioning. The notice was later deleted by INTERPOL.