Ken Ofori-Atta Released from US ICE Detention Amid Ongoing Legal Battles

Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s former Minister of Finance, has been released from custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following issues related to his immigration status.

Checks by Citi News at the Caroline Detention Facility confirmed that his name had been removed from the detention list. While officials did not disclose further details, they verified that he is no longer in custody. He had reportedly been detained since January 2026.

In an earlier public notice, his legal representatives Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners explained that the detention was related to questions about his immigration status rather than any criminal offence.

Despite his release, Ofori-Atta still faces multiple legal challenges, including more than 70 criminal charges linked to ongoing corruption investigations. One of the key allegations concerns a contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited, which is said to have caused a financial loss of over GH¢1.4 billion to the state.

The Government of Ghana formally submitted an extradition request to the United States in February 2026, seeking his return, and U.S. authorities have acknowledged receipt of the request.

He is expected to appear before the Annandale Immigration Court in Virginia on April 27 after earlier proceedings were adjourned. His first appearance in January was conducted virtually and presided over by Judge David Gardey.

Court records indicate that his visitor visa, initially due to expire in February, had been revoked. He had previously been instructed to leave the United States by November 29, 2025, but reportedly failed to do so, leaving him without lawful immigration status.

Ofori-Atta served as Finance Minister from 2017 to early 2024 under the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and has since been under investigation over decisions made during his tenure.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor, led by Kissi Agyebeng, initiated steps in June 2025 to secure an INTERPOL Red Notice after he failed to respond to invitations for questioning. The notice has since been withdrawn, meaning member countries are no longer required to act on it.