Prime Business Africa
By Prosper Okoye
Former Ghanaian finance minister Kenneth Ofori‑Atta has been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over questions about his immigration status.
Ofori‑Atta’s lawyers confirmed that he was taken into custody on Tuesday, 7 January, while a petition regarding his stay in the United States remains pending. They said his legal team is in contact with ICE and expects the matter to be resolved quickly.
An ICE detainee locator shows that Ofori‑Atta is currently held at the Caroline detention facility. He has reportedly been in the United States for more than a year, mainly for medical treatment.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe detention comes amid ongoing legal proceedings in Ghana. Authorities declared him wanted in February 2025 for failing to respond to invitations over alleged corruption.
Charges were filed against him and six others in November 2025, and in December 2025, Ghana formally requested his extradition to face the charges.
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Despite the high-profile nature of the case, Ghanaian authorities have yet to issue any public comment following the detention.
Ofori‑Atta served as finance minister from 2017 to 2024 under former president Nana Akufo-Addo, overseeing the country’s economic policies during a period marked by fiscal challenges and debt restructuring.
At the time of reporting, neither ICE nor Ghanaian officials have provided further updates. following the detention.
Ofori‑Atta served as finance minister from 2017 to 2024 under former president Nana Akufo-Addo, overseeing the country’s economic policies during a period marked by fiscal challenges and debt restructuring.
At the time of reporting, neither ICE nor Ghanaian officials have provided further updates.
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