Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is expected to appear before a United States court today, Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in connection with alleged immigration violations.
The court appearance follows his recent detention by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which says Mr. Ofori-Atta overstayed his visitor visa and no longer has legal status to remain in the country. ICE maintains that the former minister’s visa was formally revoked in June 2025, rather than simply expiring.
This position has been confirmed by Ghana’s Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Srem Sai, who dismissed claims that the matter involved a routine visa overstay. Speaking on TV3’s Key Points programme, Justice Srem Sai explained that the revocation of the visa meant Mr. Ofori-Atta had been living in the U.S. without valid immigration status.
“His visa was revoked in June 2025; it did not expire. The information available to us is that he has been living in America without a visa,” he stated.
Justice Srem Sai further disclosed that Ghanaian authorities worked closely with U.S. law enforcement agencies in the events leading to Mr. Ofori-Atta’s detention.
Possible Extradition to Ghana
Officials say the ongoing court proceedings could determine whether Mr. Ofori-Atta will be extradited to Ghana, where he is being sought by the Attorney-General’s Department and the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
He is wanted for investigations into alleged financial improprieties, including issues linked to the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) deal and the National Cathedral project. Justice Srem Sai hinted that the former minister’s return to Ghana could happen sooner than anticipated.
Legal Team Responds
In a statement issued on January 7, 2026, Mr. Ofori-Atta’s U.S.-based lawyers, Menka-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners, confirmed his detention by ICE but said he is cooperating fully with authorities.
They explained that Mr. Ofori-Atta has a pending petition for adjustment of status, which they argue allows an individual to remain legally in the United States beyond the validity of a visa.
“Under U.S. law, a change of status through this process is common,” the statement said, adding that the former minister is a law-abiding person working to resolve the matter quickly.
Mr. Ofori-Atta has been in the United States seeking medical treatment for a long-standing illness. However, the immigration case has complicated his stay and raised questions about the timing and circumstances of his return to Ghana.
While his lawyers have previously indicated that he would return home when required, today’s court hearing is expected to clarify his immigration status and whether extradition proceedings will follow.
