By Sarah Baafi
The Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC, has confirmed that Ghana’s former Minister for Finance, Mr. Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, has been taken into custody by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In a statement issued on Saturday, 10 January 2025, the Embassy said it became aware of the situation and immediately initiated steps to verify the circumstances surrounding Mr. Ofori-Atta’s detention. Following confirmation, consular officials formally contacted the relevant U.S. detention facility to request access to the former minister in accordance with diplomatic and international consular protocols.
However, the Embassy disclosed that officials at the facility informed them Mr. Ofori-Atta declined to meet consular representatives at that time, indicating he preferred to do so only in the presence of his legal counsel.
“The Embassy of Ghana remains in contact with the appropriate United States authorities and will continue to follow the matter closely,” the statement said, adding that efforts are ongoing to ensure that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s rights are fully respected throughout the process.
The statement did not provide details on the specific reasons for the detention or the duration of Mr. Ofori-Atta’s custody. Ghanaian authorities are expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available.
Mr. Ofori-Atta served as Ghana’s Minister for Finance for several years and remains a prominent figure in the country’s recent economic and political history. The development has sparked public interest both in Ghana and among the Ghanaian diaspora in the United States.
