Ken Ofori-Atta Hesitant to Return to Ghana

Ghana’s Ambassador to the US, Victor Emmanuel Smith, has revealed that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is willing to return to Ghana but fears how he’ll be treated. According to Ambassador Smith, Ofori-Atta’s cousin, Gabby Otchere Darko, expressed these concerns in a phone conversation.

Ambassador Smith stated that Gabby Otchere Darko told him, “Ken wants to come, but he is afraid of how he will be treated.” The Ambassador assured Ofori-Atta’s cousin that he would be given a fair trial and taken through the legal process, citing assurances from Attorney-General Dr. Godfred Yeboah Ayine.

The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has however dismissed Ofori-Atta’s fears, accusing him of evading justice. “Ken Ofori-Atta has been trying to evade justice. That is all. The claim that he is afraid of how he will be treated well does not cut,” he said.

Ofori-Atta is currently facing legal issues in Ghana and is being held by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for overstaying his visa. ICE has classified him as an “illegal alien” and could result in deportation.

According to reports, Ofori-Atta was arrested on January 5, 2026, and is expected to appear before a US court on January 20, 2026, in a virtual hearing.

The Ghana Embassy in Washington has confirmed Ofori-Atta’s detention and reports that he has declined consular assistance without his lawyers present.

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Author: Korkor Anumu