Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, has confirmed that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, currently detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has declined to engage with Ghanaian consular officials.
In a press release dated January 10, 2026, Ambassador Smith stated: “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.”
Upon verification, the Embassy formally requested access to Ofori-Atta at the detention facility to provide consular assistance in accordance with diplomatic and international protocols.
However, the facility informed the Embassy that “the detainee declined to engage with consular officials at that time without his lawyers present.”
Ambassador Smith assured that the Embassy remains actively involved: “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 detention stems from visa overstay concerns. Ofori-Atta’s legal team announced on January 7, 2026, that he is cooperating with ICE while pursuing a pending petition for adjustment of status, which allows legal stay beyond visa validity—a common process under US law.
His lawyers, Menka-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners, stated: “Mr. Ofori-Atta as a law-abiding person is fully cooperating with ICE to have this issue resolved.”
Ofori-Atta has been in the US since early 2025 seeking medical treatment for a long-standing illness. He faces multiple charges in Ghana, including corruption-related offenses linked to the SML deal and National Cathedral project, filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
While his legal team has previously indicated intent to facilitate his return, current developments suggest he may not return soon, pending resolution of his US immigration status.
