Ofori-Atta Rebuffs Ghana Embassy’s Consular Assistance in US Detention
Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has declined consular assistance from the Ghanaian Embassy in Washington, DC, following his detention by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over visa status issues. According to Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, Ofori-Atta insisted on the presence of his lawyers before engaging with embassy officials.
The embassy had sought access to Ofori-Atta to verify his welfare and ensure he was being treated in line with international protocols. However, ICE officials informed the embassy that Ofori-Atta had refused to meet with consular officers without his lawyers present. “He shut the door in our faces,” Ambassador Smith stated, expressing disappointment at the decision.
Ofori-Atta is being held at the Caroline Detention Centre in Virginia, a facility operated by ICE. His lawyers have confirmed that they are working to secure his release, citing immigration-related issues as the reason for his detention. The former minister faces 78 corruption-related charges in Ghana, including breaches of the Criminal Offences Act and Public Procurement Act.
The Ghanaian government has officially requested Ofori-Atta’s extradition to face trial. Attorney General Dominic Ayine stated that the request was made to facilitate Ofori-Atta’s return to Ghana and address the charges against him.
Ofori-Atta’s detention has sparked significant public and political interest in Ghana and among the Ghanaian diaspora in the United States. The embassy has assured that it will continue to monitor the situation and provide assistance should Ofori-Atta request it.
Source: MyJoyOnline, YEN News
Author: Korkor Anumu
