Former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, is set to appear in a United States courtroom today, Tuesday, January 20, 2026, following his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for alleged immigration violations.
U.S. authorities allege Ofori-Atta is not in the country on an expired visa, but has been living without legal status since his visa was officially revoked in June 2025.
This crucial detail was confirmed by Ghana’s Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Srem Sai, who rejected characterizations of the issue as a simple overstay.
“June 2025, his visa was revoked; it’s not an expiration… So he has been living in America without a visa,” Sai stated during an interview on TV3’s Key Points.
The court proceedings could have major implications, potentially determining if Ofori-Atta will be extradited to Ghana.
He is wanted by Ghanaian authorities, including the Attorney-General’s Department and the Office of the Special Prosecutor, for investigation into alleged financial misconduct linked to the SML deal and the National Cathedral project.
Sai hinted that a swift return is possible: “Ofori-Atta could be back in Ghana sooner than expected.” He also revealed that Ghanaian authorities collaborated with U.S. agencies, leading to the detention.
In a public notice, the former minister’s U.S. legal team, Menka-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners, confirmed the ICE detention but stressed his cooperation.
They argue he has a pending “adjustment of status” petition, which they claim legally permits his stay beyond a visa’s validity period.
“Mr. Ofori-Atta has a pending petition… which authorises a person to stay in the US legally past the period of validity of their visa,” the lawyers stated, assuring the public he is a “law-abiding person” working to resolve the matter.
Ofori-Atta has been in the U.S. receiving treatment for a long-term illness, but the immigration case now threatens to upend his stay.
While his lawyers previously said he would return to Ghana voluntarily, the U.S. legal process may now dictate the terms of his return.
Today’s hearing is expected to provide clarity on his immediate immigration status and the potential path toward extradition.
