Former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, who previously served as Ghana’s finance minister, has been freed from detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following complications regarding his legal stay in the country.
According to reports Mr. Ofori-Atta’s name is now missing from the current detainee roster at the Caroline Detention Facility, an ICE-run centre. Staff members at the centre declined to elaborate but confirmed his release. Mr Ofori-Atta had been held by ICE since January 2026.
In a public statement issued on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, his legal representatives – Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners (MPOBB) – explained that the detention arose from inquiries into his right to remain in the United States, and not from any criminal conduct.
Even after his release, Mr Ofori-Atta continues to face numerous legal battles. He and five other individuals are confronting over 70 criminal counts linked to active corruption probes.
These cases include claims that a deal awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) caused the state a financial loss exceeding GH¢1.4 billion.
The government of Ghana formally submitted an extradition demand to the United States in February 2026, requesting his return. U.S. officials have since acknowledged receipt of that demand. Mr Ofori-Atta was scheduled to reappear before the Annandale Immigration Court in Virginia on April 27, following an adjournment of earlier proceedings concerning his immigration status.
He first appeared before the same court in January via a virtual hearing overseen by Judge David Gardey. That session dealt with a bond redetermination and an initial case review. Mr Ofori-Atta participated from the Caroline Detention Facility, dressed in a black shirt, glasses, and a face mask.
His visitor visa, set to expire in February, was subsequently cancelled by U.S. authorities. Court records show he had previously been ordered to leave the United States by November 29, 2025, but did not comply, leaving him without valid immigration status.
During the proceedings, his legal team successfully requested that the bond hearing and master calendar sessions be closed to the public, citing the delicate nature of the case. The judge approved the request.
