The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, over issues relating to his immigration status.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Mr. Ofori-Atta’s lawyers confirmed that he is being held in connection with the conditions of his current stay in the U.S., adding that the matter is expected to be resolved swiftly.
According to the legal team, the former minister has a pending petition for adjustment of status — a legal process that allows an individual to remain in the country beyond the validity period of their visa.
They emphasized that this is a routine administrative procedure under U.S. law and assured that Mr. Ofori-Atta is fully cooperating with immigration authorities.
The statement further explained that Mr. Ofori-Atta is in the United States primarily to receive medical treatment.
The former minister has been at the center of several legal and political controversies in Ghana. In August 2025, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) listed him among eight former government officials accused of causing financial loss to the state over various transactions, including the purchase of ambulances and the construction of the National Cathedral.
Mr. Ofori-Atta has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He is also contesting an Interpol Red Notice reportedly linked to the ongoing investigations, describing it as unlawful and politically motivated. His legal team has confirmed that the matter remains before the courts.
Ken Ofori-Atta served as Ghana’s Finance Minister from 2017 to early 2024 under the administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo. He played a key role in negotiating Ghana’s recent deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during the height of the country’s economic crisis.
His lawyers insist that the current immigration issue is purely administrative and unrelated to the legal and political matters pending in Ghana.
