Political scientist and educationist, Prof. Lawrence Lowell, has suggested that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s application for permanent residency in the United States may face serious challenges if US authorities apply their immigration laws strictly, citing concerns about credibility and compliance.
Speaking on Oyerepa Radio, Prof. Lowell argued that Mr. Ofori-Atta failed to follow the appropriate legal procedures after his authorised stay in the US expired.
“Ken should have reapplied for a stay in the United States when he knew that his permitted duration had elapsed,” he stated.
He further questioned the legitimacy of the former minister’s movements for a permanent stay in the US.
“His status did not even allow him to stay where he went, especially considering that he was Ghana’s Finance Minister,” Prof. Lowell said.
According to him, Mr. Ofori-Atta’s long years of public service makes the situation even more troubling.
“This is someone who has served the country for a very long time, whether good or bad. Why would such a person overstay his travel period? He should have followed the proper procedures to extend his stay,” he argued.
Prof. Lowell also criticised what he described as a pattern within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of allowing issues to deteriorate before corrective action is taken.
“The NPP always allows issues to worsen or become a menace before seeking restoration, and this approach does not help,” he remarked.
He warned that the controversy surrounding the former finance minister’s stay in the US is damaging both Ghana’s international image and the reputation of the NPP.
“These developments around Ken Ofori-Atta are making the country unpopular and also affecting the image of the NPP,” he said.
Referring to reports that the former finance minister travelled to the US for medical treatment but remained without regularising his status, Prof. Lowell described the situation as deeply problematic.
“Our Finance Minister goes to the US for medical attention and then decides to stay without following the right procedures?, This should not have happened.” he noted.
He concluded by stating that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s current immigration record could work against him if US authorities strictly enforce the law.
“If the US applies its laws properly, they will not grant him the permanent residency he is seeking now, because based on the records available, he has not been truthful,” Prof. Lowell stated.
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