A United States immigration judge has delivered a major setback to Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor after questioning the credibility of evidence presented against former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

Judge David Gardey reportedly concluded that documents outlining the corruption allegations against Ofori-Atta failed to provide convincing facts connecting him personally to criminal wrongdoing. The judge made the observations in a June 15, 2026 ruling that approved the former minister’s application for permanent residency in the United States.

According to reports on the decision, the court described the OSP’s affidavit as being dominated by broad conclusions without sufficient reliable information to establish that Ofori-Atta had engaged in illegal conduct.

The ruling represents a significant development in the former finance minister’s continuing legal battle. Ofori-Atta has been facing corruption-related allegations in Ghana, with authorities also pursuing processes that could lead to his extradition from the United States.

However, the immigration court’s assessment does not amount to an acquittal or a final determination of the criminal case pending in Ghana. The judge was considering Ofori-Atta’s immigration status and whether the allegations presented against him affected his eligibility for permanent residency.

The OSP has strongly rejected suggestions that the US decision invalidates its case. The anti-corruption agency explained that it was not a party to the immigration proceedings and that Ghana’s extradition documents were not placed before the immigration judge.

According to the OSP, only the appropriate courts in Ghana have the authority to determine whether the charges against Ofori-Atta are credible and whether he is guilty or innocent. It added that the former minister remains a Ghanaian citizen and could still be extradited if a US extradition court approves Ghana’s request.

The judge’s comments are nevertheless expected to intensify the political and legal debate surrounding the case. Supporters of Ofori-Atta may present the ruling as evidence that the allegations against him are weak, while critics are likely to argue that the substantive criminal case must still be tested before a Ghanaian court.

As the legal contest continues across two jurisdictions, attention will now turn to the extradition process and the OSP’s next move.