As protests by pressure group Arise Ghana enter day three outside the United States Embassy in Accra, a Ghanaian-born US immigration attorney has issued a strong legal caution on the potential impact of the demonstrations — even as she affirmed citizens’ right to peaceful protest.

The embassy picket, now in its third consecutive day, has drawn public attention with chants, placards and slogans such as “Bring Ken Home” and “No hiding place for corruption.”

Organisers have pledged to maintain the demonstration until former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is returned to Ghana to face investigations into alleged financial mismanagement and corruption during his tenure (2017–2024). Arise Ghana has indicated plans to sustain its action for at least 14 working days, excluding weekends, and possibly longer if its demands are not met.

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But speaking from the standpoint of US immigration law and procedure, the attorney warned that the protest — while a legitimate expression of democratic rights — could inadvertently work to Mr Ofori-Atta’s legal advantage, particularly in relation to how his case is being handled in the United States.

Protests Respecting Rights But Carrying Legal Risk

“I think that the right to protest is one that we must protect, and people definitely have the right to protest,” the lawyer said, acknowledging the importance of civic engagement and free expression. Yet, she cautioned that “what does it mean for this case?” and stressed that protesters must understand the legal implications of their actions in an entirely different legal system.

One area she pointed to was the possibility that intense public pressure could support certain legal arguments in his favour, such as applications for asylum or other forms of immigration relief — if it could be demonstrated that returning to Ghana would subject Mr Ofori-Atta to danger or differential treatment because of his political profile under Ghanaian law. Such arguments are recognised under specific provisions of US immigration law where fear of persecution is alleged.

Embassy Protests Won’t Force Legal Action

She notes that the protests at the embassy, a diplomatic mission, do not have the authority to influence US courts, extradition procedures or immigration tribunals directly.

She pointed out that the US legal system, particularly its immigration courts, maintains strict separation of powers and judicial independence, and public demonstrations in Ghana are unlikely to dictate judicial outcomes in the United States.

She further explained that Mr Ofori-Atta’s recent immigration hearing in a US court was a procedural master calendar session focusing on immigration status, not extradition. She said extradition reviews, which require formal diplomatic and legal submissions, are handled through separate channels and would involve explicit documentary evidence submitted by relevant authorities. In one recent hearing, a US judge declined to rule on extradition claims in the absence of such evidence.

Protest demands

The demonstrations by Arise Ghana began on 20 January 2026, with members calling for Mr Ofori-Atta’s prompt return to face justice in Ghana. Organisers argue that ongoing investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor into several transactions from his time in office require his presence and that his continued stay abroad undermines accountability.

Protesters have been dressed in distinctive red and black attire and have vowed to maintain their presence outside the embassy until their demands are met. The group’s Director of Field Operations has described the action as a strategic expression aimed at drawing international attention to what they see as undue delays in securing Mr Ofori-Atta’s return.

"I know that most Ghanaians want him to come for various reasons. When we do such protests without understanding the legal implications, it might go contrary to what we actually seek to effect. So I think in all things, it's best to leave it to the lawyers."

I think everybody is doing what they're supposed to do, and hopefully, by April, when we have the next hearing, we can get more information as to what the next steps will be. I heard that he may be applying for a green card. I'm not sure why or how he's entitled to that, but as the days and the weeks and the months go by, we'll get more information" she added.

Legal Experts Urge Calm and Proper Channels

While sympathising with the desire for justice and accountability, the US-based lawyer emphasised that legal processes must be respected and navigated by the courts and relevant authorities. She urged citizens to support due process and allow lawyers and the justice system to perform their roles impartially.

Her overarching message was clear: protests are a constitutional right, but they should be grounded in a clear understanding of legal boundaries and consequences — lest they inadvertently feed into legal strategies that might benefit the very person they seek to challenge.