The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained Ghana’s former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, over issues related to his immigration status.
In a statement released on Tuesday, his lawyers said Mr Ofori-Atta was being held in connection with the conditions of his current stay in the United States, adding that the matter is expected to be resolved quickly
According to the statement, Mr Ofori-Atta has a pending petition for adjustment of status, a legal process that allows a person to remain in the US beyond the validity of their visa. His legal team said this is a common procedure under US law and stressed that he is fully cooperating with immigration authorities.
The lawyers also said the former minister is in the United States primarily for medical treatment.
Mr Ofori-Atta has in recent months been the subject of legal and political controversy in Ghana. In August 2025, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) named him among eight former public officials accused of causing financial loss to the state in relation to a number of high-profile government transactions.
The OSP has said its investigations cover deals including the controversial purchase of ambulances, the construction of the National Cathedral, and other public finance management decisions taken during his tenure as finance minister.
Mr Ofori-Atta has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Separately, the former minister has been challenging the placement of an Interpol Red Notice linked to the Ghanaian investigations, arguing in court that the move is unlawful and politically motivated. His legal team says that case is still pending.
Mr Ofori-Atta served as Ghana’s finance minister from 2017 until early 2024 under the administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo, playing a central role in negotiations with the International Monetary Fund during the country’s recent economic crisis.
His lawyers say the current immigration issue in the United States is strictly an administrative matter and should not be linked to the ongoing legal and political disputes in Ghana.
