Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s former Minister for Finance has been detained by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding the status of his current stay in the United States.
This is contained in a statement issued by his lawyers, Menka-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners on Wednesday night, January 7, 2026.
The notice said the US legal team is in contact with ICE and expects the matter to be resolved expeditiously.
“Mr. Ofori-Atta has a pending petition for adjustment of status, which authorizes a person to stay in the US legally past the period of validity of their visa. Under US law, a change of status by this method is common,” the lawyers explained.
“The Public is therefore advised to note that Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta as a law-abiding person is fully cooperating with ICE to have this issue resolved,” they said.
Mr Ofori-Atta is wanted by the Attorney-General and the Office of the Special Prosecutor for offences related to the SML Deal, National Cathedral project etc.
He is currently in the US seeking medical care for a long-standing illness.
Although his lawyers have promised to ensure his return to Ghana, recent developments indicate that the former Minister of Finance may npot return to the jurisdiction.
