Frank Davies, legal counsel for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, has confirmed that his client has applied for an extension of his stay in the United States due to ongoing medical treatment and recovery.
Davies explained that Ken Ofori-Atta travelled to the U.S. for a medical procedure, which has been completed, but he remains under medical supervision as part of his recuperation.
He noted that the former minister is in regular consultation with his medical team, who may advise that he continues to stay in the U.S. for further treatment or monitoring.
Speaking on Accra-based Joy FM on Thursday, January 8, 2026, after Ken Ofori-Atta was arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), he said the former Finance Minister left Ghana “and gave notice that he was going for a medical procedure, which has been done. And if we all know what he is suffering from, it is not easy. After that, he must go through a period of recuperation.
“He is in constant consultation with his medical team, and if they advise that, at this stage, it is necessary for him to remain in the U.S. so they can attend to him, what exactly is wrong with that?”
Davies revealed that Ofori-Atta’s visa is set to expire on February 14, making an extension request necessary.
“If you visit a country and, for some reason, are unable to leave when required, you apply to extend your stay. What is strange about that? Yes, he has applied for an extension, and the petition is with ICE. They will determine it, and in due time, we will all know whether it has merit,” he stated.
He described the move as a routine immigration process and dismissed suggestions of wrongdoing.
Davies added that “This is normal practice everywhere. If someone cannot leave a country when their visa expires due to unforeseen circumstances, they apply for an extension.”
He, therefore, urged the public to refrain from speculation, emphasising that the process is lawful and still underway.
