Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s former Finance Minister, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on January 6, 2026, over visa status issues. According to Ghana’s Attorney-General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, Ofori-Atta’s US visa was revoked in July 2025, with the US Department of State giving him until November 29, 2025, to leave the country.
Ofori-Atta was arrested at the Westlight apartment complex in Washington, D.C., where he had been living with his son and wife. He is currently being held at the Caroline Detention Facility in Virginia, a repurposed jail that can house up to 336 adult detainees. His lawyers are working to secure his release, citing a pending petition for adjustment of status that would allow him to stay in the US legally.
The Ghanaian government has requested Ofori-Atta’s extradition to face corruption charges related to the SML scandal. The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has declared him a wanted person and a fugitive from justice, with 78 counts of corruption-related charges filed against him.
Ofori-Atta’s detention has sparked concerns about his legal status and potential extradition. His US-based lawyer, Enayat Qasimi, claims the charges are politically motivated, while Ghana’s Attorney-General asserts that the extradition request is a major step in the ongoing investigation.
Ofori-Atta is expected to appear in a US court on January 20, 2026, regarding his detention. The former minister has consistently denied wrongdoing and has engaged in legal challenges against the OSP’s actions.
Source: GHOne News, MyJoyOnline
Author: Korkor Anumu
