Ken Ofori-Atta Bond Hearing Set as U.S. Judge Demands Proof of Extradition Request

A bond hearing for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is scheduled for today, February 19, 2026, in the United States, as a federal judge considers whether Ghanaian authorities have submitted formal proof of an extradition request.

Presiding judge David A. Gardey informed legal representatives that the court cannot rely on claims without documentation and instructed that evidence confirming the extradition request be filed before any ruling on bond or possible release is made.

The hearing follows a closed session on January 20, during which the judge suspended consideration of Mr. Ofori-Atta’s bail request after government attorneys opposed his release, citing Ghana’s ongoing extradition efforts.

Mr. Ofori-Atta, who served as Finance Minister under the previous New Patriotic Party administration, has been held by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since early January while his immigration status is reviewed. Prosecutors contend that his visitor visa was revoked, leaving him without lawful status in the country.

His legal team argued during the January proceedings that he has cooperated with authorities and is pursuing legal remedies, including an adjustment of status application that could allow him to remain in the United States.

Meanwhile, Ghanaian authorities are seeking his extradition to face charges at home, a process that depends on the formal documentation now requested by the court.

In a related development, INTERPOL recently lifted a Red Notice issued against Mr. Ofori-Atta. His lawyers contend the notice was withdrawn because it was deemed predominantly political in nature.