Former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been detained by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over matters relating to his immigration status.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, his legal team explained that Mr Ofori-Atta is being held in connection with the conditions of his stay in the United States. They noted that the issue is administrative in nature and is expected to be resolved promptly.
According to the lawyers, the former finance minister has a pending petition for adjustment of status, a lawful process that allows an individual to remain in the United States beyond the expiration of a visa. They stressed that such applications are routine under US immigration law and confirmed that Mr Ofori-Atta is fully cooperating with the authorities.
The statement further indicated that Mr Ofori-Atta is currently in the United States primarily to receive medical treatment.
In recent months, the former minister has been at the centre of legal and political scrutiny in Ghana. In August 2025, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) listed him among eight former public officials accused of causing financial loss to the state in relation to several high-profile government transactions.
The investigations reportedly involve matters such as the procurement of ambulances, the construction of the National Cathedral, and other public finance management decisions taken during his tenure. Mr Ofori-Atta has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Separately, he is contesting the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice linked to the Ghanaian investigations, arguing in court that it is unlawful and politically motivated. His lawyers say that case remains pending.
Ken Ofori-Atta served as Ghana’s finance minister from 2017 until early 2024 under the administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo, during which he played a key role in negotiations with the International Monetary Fund amid Ghana’s recent economic challenges.
His legal team has reiterated that the current immigration matter in the United States is purely administrative and should not be connected to the ongoing legal and political issues in Ghana.
