Ghana’s former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been released from custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following months of detention linked to his immigration status, even as he continues to face mounting legal and extradition challenges.
Checks at the Caroline Detention Facility, an ICE-operated centre in Virginia, confirmed that Mr Ofori-Atta’s name no longer appears on the facility’s detention list. While officials declined to provide further details, they verified that he is no longer in custody. He had reportedly been detained since January 2026.
In a public notice issued earlier this year, his legal representatives—Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners (MPOBB)—clarified that his detention was not related to any criminal offence but stemmed from issues surrounding his immigration status in the United States.
Despite his release, the former minister remains at the centre of multiple legal battles in Ghana. He and five others are facing more than 70 criminal charges as part of ongoing corruption investigations. Among the key allegations is that a contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) resulted in a financial loss exceeding GH¢1.4 billion to the state.
In February 2026, the Government of Ghana formally submitted an extradition request to U.S. authorities seeking his return to face prosecution. American officials have acknowledged receipt of the request, although the process remains ongoing.
Mr Ofori-Atta is expected to reappear before the Annandale Immigration Court in Virginia on April 27, following the adjournment of earlier proceedings tied to his immigration case. His initial appearance took place in January via a virtual hearing presided over by Judge David Gardey. That session focused on bond redetermination and preliminary matters, with Mr Ofori-Atta appearing from the detention facility.
Court records indicate that his visitor visa, which was due to expire in February 2026, was revoked by U.S. authorities. He had previously been directed to leave the United States by November 29, 2025, but failed to comply, leaving him without lawful immigration status.
During earlier proceedings, his lawyers successfully applied for both the bond hearing and master calendar sessions to be held behind closed doors, citing the sensitive nature of the case—a request that was granted by the presiding judge.
Mr Ofori-Atta served as Ghana’s Finance Minister from 2017 to early 2024 under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. His tenure has since come under intense scrutiny, with investigators examining several high-profile financial decisions taken during that period.
In June 2025, Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), led by Kissi Agyebeng, initiated steps to secure an INTERPOL Red Notice against him after he failed to honour multiple invitations for questioning. The move was intended to facilitate his arrest and eventual extradition.
However, the Red Notice has since been withdrawn, and his details no longer appear in INTERPOL’s database, meaning member states are no longer obligated to act on the alert.
While his release from ICE custody marks a significant development, Mr Ofori-Atta’s legal uncertainties remain far from resolved. With extradition proceedings underway and multiple charges pending, the coming months are expected to be critical in determining his legal and political future.
Story By: Eric Boateng
