The Ghanaian Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, has revealed that detained former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta declined to meet with consular officials without the presence of his lawyers.
In a press release issued by the Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC, on January 10, 2026, the embassy confirmed that Mr. Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, who served as Ghana’s Minister for Finance from 2017 to 2024, is currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The statement explained that upon learning of the detention, the embassy took immediate steps to verify the situation. After confirmation, officials contacted the relevant detention facility to request access and provide consular assistance, in accordance with diplomatic and international protocols.
However, the facility informed the embassy that Mr. Ofori-Atta had chosen not to engage with consular representatives at that time, insisting on having his legal counsel present.
“The Embassy of Ghana remains in contact with the appropriate United States authorities and will continue to follow the matter closely to ensure that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s rights are totally respected,” the release stated.
Ofori-Atta served as Finance Minister from 2017 to 2024 under President Nana Akufo-Addo and left Ghana in early 2025 for medical treatment, including surgery for prostate cancer. He was declared wanted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor in February 2025 on corruption charges related to the SML Deal, the National Cathedral project, and other matters, facing 78 counts alongside co-accused individuals.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, Ken Ofori-Atta’s arrest is in connection with his US visa which had been revoked in late 2025.
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