Ofori-Atta detained by ICE in US
Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been taken into custody by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to issues surrounding his immigration status. His lawyers have assured the public that they are working to secure his release.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, Ghana-based law firm Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners (MPOBB) clarified that the ICE’s action was related to questions surrounding Mr. Ofori-Atta’s continued presence in the United States, rather than any allegations of criminal wrongdoing.
According to the statement, Mr. Ofori-Atta has a pending petition for adjustment of status, a legal process under U.S. immigration law that allows an individual to remain in the country beyond the validity of their original visa while their application is being considered.
The law firm disclosed that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s U.S. legal team is actively engaging with ICE and is confident that the matter will be resolved promptly.
The lawyers further stressed that the former finance minister is fully cooperating with U.S. immigration authorities and remains a law-abiding individual. They urged the public to remain calm, noting that the situation is procedural in nature and is expected to be settled expeditiously through legal channels.
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained the former Minister for Finance, Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta, regarding the status of his current stay in the United States, as of yesterday. His U.S. 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 Public is, therefore, advised to note that he is a law-abiding person and is fully cooperating with ICE to have this issue resolved.”
The detention adds to the legal woes the former finance minister is currently facing.
He is among eight persons facing 78 counts of alleged corruption in relation to the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) revenue assurance contract with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The charges reportedly include alleged breaches of Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), and Section 92(2)(b) of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663).
Last month the Attorney General Dr Dominic Ayine disclosed that an extradition order for Mr Ofori-Atta had been transmitted to the United States of America.
