Former Ghanaian Minister for Finance Ken Ofori-Atta was taken into custody yesterday by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), raising fresh diplomatic, legal and political questions both in Ghana and abroad, sources confirmed late Thursday.
ICE officials detained Ofori-Atta on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, at a facility in Virginia, according to his U.S. legal counsel and ICE’s detainee records. The detention stems from unresolved issues related to his immigration status in the United States, where he has resided since January 2025.
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Ken Ofori-Atta, 66, who served as Ghana’s Finance Minister from 2017 to 2024 under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, has been undergoing long-term medical treatment in the United States, including surgery for prostate cancer. His extended stay required legal filing to adjust his immigration status, which led to ICE’s intervention when questions surfaced about the legality of his continued presence in the country.
What ICE Says and the Legal Context about Ken Ofori-Atta
ICE detained Ofori-Atta as part of routine enforcement of U.S. immigration law. His legal team previously filed a petition to adjust his status — a standard procedure under U.S. immigration rules that permits foreign nationals to extend their authorized stay while applications are under review.
According to the law firm representing Ofori-Atta, Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline & Partners (MPOBB):
- The detention is procedural, based solely on documentation and immigration status, not criminal charges under U.S. law.
- Ofori-Atta is said to be fully cooperating with authorities to resolve the matter.
- His U.S. legal team is actively engaging ICE to expedite a resolution.
Despite these reassurances, the incident has reignited scrutiny around his prolonged stay and the legal handling of his status in the country.
Connection to Legal Challenges in Ghana
Though the detention centers on immigration matters, it occurs against the backdrop of significant legal challenges Ofori-Atta faces in Ghana. In November 2025, Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) filed 78 corruption-related charges against him and seven associates tied to procurement and audit contracts involving the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) and the Ghana Revenue Authority.
Earlier in 2025, he was declared wanted by the OSP after failing to appear for interviews in connection with investigations into several high-profile cases, including activities related to the National Cathedral project and other government contracts.
While reports vary, there have been legal maneuvers to challenge Interpol Red Notices and manage the fallout from these investigations. These actions have contributed to a convoluted legal landscape that observers say could influence diplomatic and extradition considerations.
Reactions and Commentary
Legal Team Responds
Frank Davies, one of Ofori-Atta’s lawyers, stated in media interviews that the legal strategy is focused on clarifying his immigration status and resolving the situation swiftly with ICE. He emphasized that the detention was not an indictment on moral or criminal grounds under U.S. law.
Public and Legal Analysts Weigh In
Private legal commentator Martin Kpebu acknowledged the detention as a meaningful step toward accountability but cautioned against reading too much into it without seeing how the process unfolds. He noted that detention on immigration grounds does not equate to a conviction or complete justice, urging patience until formal legal proceedings conclude.
Critics and supporters alike on both sides of the Atlantic have framed the detention within broader narratives — some saying it underscores respect for the rule of law, others viewing it as a politically charged episode with international implications.
What Happens Next?
Ofori-Atta remains at the Caroline Detention Facility in Virginia under ICE custody. His U.S. attorneys have indicated that they anticipate a swift resolution to his immigration status issue, and discussions between legal representatives and U.S. authorities are ongoing.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s legal and diplomatic corps are closely monitoring the situation. Any move toward extradition or legal transfer would require complex coordination between U.S. and Ghanaian law enforcement agencies, and would likely involve consultation between both countries’ justice departments.
As developments unfold, further updates will be provided on Awake News with verified information from official statements, legal filings and authoritative sources.
