Former Ghanaian Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been released from the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following an extended review of his immigration status. Sources at the Caroline Detention Facility confirmed that his name no longer appears on the detention list, signaling his release, though officials did not provide further details.
Mr. Ofori-Atta, who served as Finance Minister from 2017 to early 2024 under the administration of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, had been detained since January 2026. His lawyers from Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners (MPOBB) emphasized that the detention was strictly related to questions about his legal right to remain in the United States and not linked to any criminal allegations.
Despite his release, the former minister remains embroiled in serious legal challenges in Ghana. He, along with five others, faces over 70 criminal charges connected to alleged corruption, including a controversial contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) that reportedly caused the state a loss exceeding GH¢1.4 billion.
Ghana’s government formally submitted an extradition request to the United States in February 2026. U.S. authorities have confirmed receipt of the request, and Mr. Ofori-Atta is expected to appear before the Annandale Immigration Court in Virginia on April 27. Earlier proceedings concerning his immigration status were adjourned, and his visitor visa, which expired in February, was previously revoked. Court documents indicate he had been directed to leave the U.S. by November 29, 2025, but did not comply, resulting in his detention.
During prior virtual hearings, Mr. Ofori-Atta attended from the detention facility, appearing in a black shirt and wearing spectacles and a nose mask. His legal team successfully requested that bond and master calendar hearings be held behind closed doors due to the sensitive nature of the matters at hand.
The former minister has also been under investigation by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor, led by Kissi Agyebeng. In June 2025, efforts were made to issue an INTERPOL Red Notice to facilitate his possible arrest and extradition after he reportedly failed to respond to multiple invitations for questioning. However, the Red Notice has since been withdrawn, and his details are no longer listed in INTERPOL’s database.
While his release from U.S. detention provides temporary relief, Ken Ofori-Atta continues to face mounting legal scrutiny in Ghana, with corruption and extradition cases still pending.
