Ken Ofori-Atta Arrested in Apartment

Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, was arrested on January 6, 2026, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in a targeted operation at the Westlight apartment complex in Washington, D.C. According to Manasseh Azure Awuni, Ofori-Atta was emerging from the luxury building when ICE agents surrounded him and took him to the Caroline Detention Facility in Virginia.

The Westlight building, located at 1111 24th Street NW, is a prestigious address in the affluent West End neighborhood, known for its security and proximity to significant landmarks. Ofori-Atta had been living there with his son and wife, and the building’s past residents include former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris.

Ofori-Atta’s U.S. visa was revoked in July 2025, with the U.S. Department of State giving him until November 29, 2025, to leave the country. His lawyers claim his arrest relates to his current stay in the United States, while Ghana’s Attorney-General says he was living in the U.S. illegally.

The former minister is facing corruption charges in Ghana related to the SML scandal, and the Ghanaian government has requested his extradition. Ofori-Atta is expected to appear in a U.S. court on January 20, 2026, regarding his arrest.

According to investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, Ofori-Atta had no intention of returning to Ghana to face justice, citing concerns about being humiliated by the Office of the Special Prosecutor.

Source: Manasseh Azure Awuni, GHOne News, MyJoyOnline

Author: Korkor Anumu