U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detains Ken Ofori-Atta

Background

Ken Ofori-Atta is a well-known Ghanaian politician and economist who served as Ghana’s Minister for Finance from 2017 to 2024. During his tenure, he played a leading role in shaping economic policy and managing government finances.

After leaving public office, Ofori-Atta has been the subject of legal challenges in Ghana, including investigations into alleged corruption and financial irregularities tied to high profile contracts and projects.

🧑‍⚖️ Legal Issues and Extradition Efforts

In 2025, Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) declared Ofori-Atta a wanted person and fugitive after he failed to attend questioning related to alleged corruption cases.

Subsequently, Ghana formally submitted an extradition request to the United States, asking U.S. authorities to help bring him back to face charges of corruption and related offences.

The U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI reportedly indicated support for Ghana’s extradition request and said they did not view the charges as politically motivated.

Legal proceedings have been ongoing, and Ofori-Atta has also hired U.S. lawyers to contest extradition in U.S. federal courts.

🇺🇸 ICE Detains Ofori-Atta: What Happened?

On January 7, 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained Ken Ofori-Atta in the United States. The move stemmed from issues related to his immigration status and legal authorization to remain in the country.

According to a public notice from his Ghanaian legal team, Ofori-Atta had a pending petition for adjustment of status — a process that allows individuals to stay in the U.S. legally beyond their visa validity under certain conditions.

His lawyers stated that ICE was reviewing his case and that they were in contact with authorities, expecting the situation to be resolved quickly. They emphasized that Ofori-Atta was cooperating fully.

🏥 Context: Ofori-Atta’s Stay in the U.S.

Ofori-Atta has been in the United States since early 2025, primarily for medical treatment after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. He underwent surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, which his team described as critical to his ongoing health care.

His medical situation, along with the ongoing immigration process, shaped the context in which ICE reviewed his detention and immigration status.

📍 What This Means Going Forward

At the time of detention, ICE’s move did not necessarily signal criminal charges in the United States — rather, it was related to immigration procedures and status questions.

His legal team’s communications suggest they expect to work with U.S. authorities to resolve the immigration matter and potentially secure his release while broader legal processes — including extradition and Ghana’s charges — continue through judicial channels.