Ken Ofori Atta detained by ICE in the U.S.

Former Ghana Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been detained in the United States by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

According to reports and his lawyers, he was detained regarding questions about his immigration status.

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The detention was confirmed in a public notice by his Ghana-based legal team on January 7, 2026.

They said ICE took him into custody after reviewing the legality of his continued stay in the U.S. while his immigration paperwork is pending.

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Ofori-Atta is being held at the Caroline Detention Facility in Virginia, a centre operated by ICE for immigration detainees. 

His lawyers emphasised that the detention is procedural and immigration-related, and not linked to criminal charges in the United States.

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Ofori-Atta has been in the U.S. since late 2024 for medical treatment, including surgery for prostate cancer.

His visa is due to expire on February 14, 2026. Reports indicate his team is working with ICE to resolve the matter quickly.

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In Ghana, he faces 78 corruption and corruption-related counts filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

Ghanaian authorities have declared him a fugitive and submitted a formal extradition request to U.S. justice officials.

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The charges in Ghana relate to multiple alleged irregular contracts and procurement decisions during his tenure as Finance Minister. 

Ofori-Atta’s legal team has argued that his petition for adjustment of status is lawful and common in U.S. immigration practice, and they say he is cooperating with authorities.

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