Ghana’s former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has refused to engage with officials from the Ghana Embassy in Washington, DC, following his detention by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for visa overstay.
In a statement issued on January 10, 2026, the Embassy confirmed the development and said it acted promptly to verify the circumstances.
“The Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC, can confirm that Ghana’s former Minister for Finance, Mr. Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, has been taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the United States,” the statement read.
The Embassy explained that, upon confirmation, it immediately requested access to Ofori-Atta at the detention facility to provide consular assistance in accordance with diplomatic protocols.
However, the facility informed the Embassy that “the detainee declined to engage with consular officials at that time without his lawyers present.”
Despite the refusal, the Embassy assured it is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining communication with relevant U.S. authorities.
“The Embassy of Ghana remains in contact with the appropriate United States authorities and will continue to follow the matter closely to ensure that Mr. Ofori Atta’s rights are totally respected,” the statement concluded.
Ofori-Atta, who has been in the U.S. since early 2025 citing health reasons, is currently facing domestic charges in Ghana, including corruption-related offenses filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
His legal team has filed a petition to extend his stay for ongoing medical treatment, amid efforts to prevent deportation.
The case continues to draw significant attention as legal proceedings unfold on both sides of the Atlantic.
