Frank Davies, lawyer for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, has clarified that his client is not in the United States unlawfully, following his detention by U.S. immigration authorities.

Speaking in an interview on JoyNews' The Pulse on Thursday, January 8, Mr Davies said Mr Ofori-Atta was detained under circumstances that are “separate and distinct” from those faced by illegal immigrants.

“Ken Ofori-Atta is not in detention because he overstayed or is an illegal immigrant. Individuals who are deported are those who have long overstayed their welcome in the U.S.—this is not the case here,” he explained.

He said the former minister entered the U.S. on a medical conference or medical procedure visa, which is valid until February 14. “He has applied for an extension of his stay, which is why this situation is different,” Davies added.

The lawyer emphasised that if Mr Ofori-Atta were truly an illegal immigrant, the deportation process would have been initiated immediately.

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