Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been granted an adjustment of status in the United States after an immigration judge ruled that his personal circumstances outweighed the concerns raised over criminal allegations filed against him in Ghana.

Judge David Gardey approved Mr Ofori-Atta’s application after considering his decades-long ties to the United States, including his education and professional career in the country, as well as his family connections.

The court noted that Mr Ofori-Atta had worked with major financial institutions in the US, including Morgan Stanley and Salomon Brothers, and also has a son who is a US citizen.

The judge also considered the former minister’s ongoing medical treatment, stating that his health had suffered following his detention over the criminal allegations.

“The court finds that the positive equities far outweigh the negative equities such that the court will exercise its discretion and grant the respondent's request for adjustment of status,” Judge Gardey said.

Addressing Mr Ofori-Atta directly, the judge said he had endured a difficult period but had been given the opportunity to present his case and had established that he was entitled to remain in the United States under the adjustment process.