Head of NDC Legal Team for the Eastern Region, Lawyer Isaac Mintah Larbi has clarified a controversy surrounding the arrest of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
According to Lawyer Larbi, the government’s revocation of Ofori-Atta’s visa made his stay in the US illegal, leading to his arrest.
He explained that a visa is permission to stay in a country, and that if revoked, the individual must leave or face arrest.
Speaking to Bryt Adekye Mu Nsem, he confirmed that the arrest was not due to an expired or overstayed visa, but rather the government’s decision to revoke the visa. Meaning it has been illegal and when that happens you have to be arrested.
“If one is given permission to stay in other country and that permission is revoked, he or she no longer has the right or permission to remain in the country, so you must leave, and if you do not leave, the government has the authority to arrest you, and that’s what Ken Ofori-Atta experienced. His visa to stay in the nation was not due, but the government dropped the case, so his stay became illegal, which is why he was detained, and after the arrest”. He’s explained
Lawyer Larbi stated that they are hoping the government will investigate and may allow Ofori-Atta to return to Ghana to face charges through extradition proceedings. “This is a rule of law, and he has to come and defend himself before the court can conclude its decision,” he said.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Mujahidatu Mohammed
