U.S. Green Card offers no legal sanctuary for crimes committed — GFL reveals

Permanent residency in the United States does not offer former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta a legal sanctuary to run away from accountability to the people of Ghana for his responsibilities during his tenure as government official responsible for finance.

The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) deduced on Sunday that it rather has a political consequence for the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), which is now seen in the eyes of right-thinking Ghanaians as aiding and shielding a senior member of the party accused of financial crimes from accountability.

Mr Abraham Koomson, GFL Secretary-General, noted that labour unions in the country see the ongoing debate in the public space as a serious indictment on former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, former Vice-President Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and the NPP for being complicit and overtly supporting the former Finance Minister in running away from accountability.

Mr Koomson argued that Mr Ofori-Atta’s reported acquisition of a U.S. Green Card provides no immunity from extradition, and he positioned the matter as a broader question of legal accountability, public trust, and political responsibility under the NPP government.

The GFL Secretary-General's intervention comes amid intensifying public debate over reports that Mr Ofori-Atta, who is facing criminal charges filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), has secured permanent residency in the U.S.

Holding a U.S. Green Card does not grant immunity from extradition proceedings where legal agreements exist between countries; the U.S. is not a haven for hiding from accountability… America’s governance system supports accountability, rule of law and due process; the responsibility is on the Ghanaian government to provide evidence for his extradition,” Mr Koomson stated.

He stressed that from a legal standpoint, there are established principles of international criminal cooperation and the existence of a bilateral extradition treaty between Ghana and the United States, which creates a recognised legal pathway for the transfer of accused persons.

“While a Green Card confers immigration status, it does not confer diplomatic or judicial immunity, nor does it supersede treaty obligations,” the GFL Secretary-General asserted.

Mr Koomson acknowledged that Mr Ofori-Atta’s immigration status introduces additional procedural considerations, adding, “Although the former Finance Minister’s immigration status may present additional legal considerations, it does not automatically prevent Ghanaian authorities from pursuing his extradition through the appropriate legal channels."

He further noted that Ghanaian courts also retain the authority to proceed in absentia where the law permits. “Legal proceedings could continue in his absence if necessary.”

He added, signalling that the absence of the accused would not, by itself, halt the judicial process.

Beyond the courtroom, Mr Koomson reiterated that the case in stark political terms will continue to shape Mr Ofori-Atta’s public image, his family legacy, and the broader reputation of the NPP.

“While the former minister may choose to reside permanently in the United States, the allegations and controversies linked to his time in office will continue to have implications for his public image, his family legacy, and the reputation of the NPP,” he said.

Mr Koomson also critiqued the NPP’s governance record, accusing the party of economic mismanagement and policies that eroded worker welfare. The NPP’s record in government reflects mismanagement of the economy and the implementation of policies that adversely affected workers and ordinary Ghanaians.

In a direct appeal to labour and civil society, the GFL leader urged vigilance: “Citizens and organised labour must remain vigilant against a return to policies that undermined workers’ welfare and national development."

Mr Koomson noted that for organised labour, the issue is not only about one former minister. It is about setting a precedent: that public office carries legal and political consequences that do not end at the border.