Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is scheduled to appear before a United States immigration court on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, following his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for allegedly overstaying his visa.
The hearing is expected to determine his immediate immigration status and could open the door to extradition proceedings to Ghana, where he faces multiple corruption-related charges filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
U.S. authorities have determined that Ofori-Atta no longer holds lawful status to remain in the country.
However, Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has dismissed suggestions that the matter is merely a routine visa overstay case.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, January 10, 2026, Dr. Ayine insisted: “This is not simply an immigration issue. His visa did not expire; it was revoked. I state this on authority.”
He explained that while Ofori-Atta’s visitor visa was initially valid until February 2026, it was deliberately withdrawn by U.S. authorities, a move he linked to ongoing investigations.
The Attorney-General further revealed that Ghana’s extradition request is connected to the OSP’s probe into the SML deal and other matters, noting close cooperation between Ghanaian and U.S. authorities.
In a related development, former CEO of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, is also expected to appear before a U.S. court on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in proceedings potentially linked to extradition to Ghana.
Ofori-Atta has been in the United States since early 2025, primarily for medical treatment. His legal team has filed a petition for adjustment of status to regularise his stay, arguing it is a standard immigration process.
The outcome of today’s hearing will be closely watched as it could significantly influence any future extradition efforts.
