Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is pursuing permanent residency in the United States. His lawyer announced this development. Ofori-Atta is currently held by US immigration officials in Virginia.
Ghana is seeking to extradite Mr. Ofori-Atta. He faces corruption allegations in his home country. His legal team argues he will not receive a fair trial if returned to Ghana.
The former minister's detention follows an arrest by US immigration authorities. Further details of the arrest were not immediately available.
The specific charges brought against Mr. Ofori-Atta by Ghanaian authorities involve corruption. An extradition process is typically lengthy and complex.
Ghanaian officials have not yet commented publicly on the situation. Any legal proceedings will involve cooperation between US and Ghanaian legal bodies.