Ghana’s ex-finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been detained by US immigration authorities while seeking to extend his stay in the country. Ofori-Atta, 66, has been in the United States since January last year for medical treatment, including surgery for prostate cancer.
The detention occurred after US Immigration and Customs Enforcement reviewed his current legal status in the country. Ofori-Atta was declared a fugitive in Ghana last February and formally charged with corruption in November. His lawyers said he is fully cooperating with US authorities and that they expect the matter to be resolved quickly.
US immigration records show that Ofori-Atta is being held at a facility in Virginia. He served as Ghana’s finance minister from 2017 to 2024 under former President Nana Akufo-Addo. During his tenure, he was involved in tax reforms and negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, which drew public attention and controversy.
The detention raises questions about his ability to return to Ghana while the corruption charges remain unresolved. Legal and political observers in both Ghana and the US are monitoring the situation closely, as it could affect ongoing investigations and his future in public service.
The case continues to develop, with updates expected from both his legal team and US immigration authorities in the coming days.