Uniquenewsgh.com News, Politics, African News Updates & More
Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United States has disclosed that the FBI of the US has gotten involved in the detention issues of Ken Ofori-Atta.
Ambassador Victor Smith says the involvement of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the detention of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta suggests the matter goes beyond immigration issues.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United States, Victor Smith, says the presence of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the detention of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta raises serious questions about the nature of the case.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Mr Smith explained that while the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, usually handles immigration-related matters, the involvement of the FBI points to possible criminal or international law enforcement concerns.
He suggested the case could involve either criminal investigations or an international police request.
CLIP (optional):
“ICE normally will pick you up for immigration issues, but when the FBI comes in, then there must be some criminality or an Interpol police request,” he said.
Mr Smith added that the involvement of both agencies leads him to believe that Ghanaian authorities may have requested Mr Ofori-Atta’s cooperation in ongoing investigations related to his tenure as finance minister.
He clarified that his office was not briefed on any revocation of a valid US visa for the former minister.
According to Mr Smith, the Ghanaian Embassy only became involved after Mr Ofori-Atta had already been detained, prompting the activation of consular procedures.
He said the embassy requested access to ensure the former minister was being treated in line with international protocols.
However, the visit did not take place after Mr Ofori-Atta declined to meet embassy officials in the presence of his lawyers.
Mr Smith disclosed that after several hours, embassy officials were informed that the former minister had declined to see them entirely.
Ambassador Victor Smith also spoke on the health condition of Mr Ofori-Atta while in detention
Meanwhile, a statement from Mr Ofori-Atta’s legal team says he is cooperating fully with ICE as efforts continue to resolve issues surrounding his immigration status.
The statement notes that he has a pending petition for adjustment of status, which enables him to remain legally in the United States beyond the expiration of his initial visa.
A US Immigration Lawyer, Jonelle Ocloo, also explained issues concerning the adjustment of his status
The former finance minister remains in the custody of US immigration authorities as legal processes continue.
He is scheduled to be in an Immigration Court on 20th January
