A bond hearing for former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, is scheduled to take place in a United States court today, Thursday, February 19, 2026.
The proceeding will see a federal judge determine whether to grant him bail while he fights his detention, but the decision hinges on the receipt of formal extradition documents from Ghanaian authorities.
The hearing follows a directive from Judge David A. Gardey, who has ordered that documented proof of Ghana’s extradition request be submitted by today.
During a previous closed-door session on January 20, the judge postponed a decision on bail after state attorneys opposed Ofori-Atta’s release, citing the pending extradition effort.
“The court cannot act on assertions without proof,” Judge Gardey told lawyers involved in the immigration case, emphasizing the need for official documentation before he can rule on bond.
Ofori-Atta, a key figure in the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, has been held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since early January.
According to prosecutors, his visitor visa was revoked, leaving him without legal status in the country. His legal team maintains that he has been cooperative and is actively pursuing legal avenues to remain in the U.S., including filing a petition for an adjustment of status.
The legal proceedings in the U.S. are unfolding alongside efforts by the Ghanaian government to secure his extradition to face charges.
The process now hinges on the formal extradition documentation that is expected to be presented to the court today.
In a separate but related development, Ofori-Atta’s legal team has noted that INTERPOL recently removed a Red Notice previously issued for their client, a move they attribute to the notice’s “predominantly political” character.
