Legal limbo deepens amid extradition push and multi‑million‑dollar corruption allegations
By Alex Ababio
Washington, D.C. / Accra — Ken Ofori‑Atta, Ghana’s former Minister for Finance (2017–2023), was detained by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, over questions surrounding his legal status in the United States, his legal team confirmed in a public statement issued Thursday night.
According to the notice signed by Justice Kusi‑Minkah Premo Esq. of Minkah‑Premo, Osei‑Bonsu, Bruce‑Cathline and Partners (MPOBB), the detention stems not from criminal allegations in the U.S., but from immigration regulation compliance issues relating to his stay in the United States.
“The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as of yesterday, detained the former Minister for Finance, Mr Ken Ofori‑Atta, regarding the status of his current stay in the United States,” the MPOBB notice reads.
Ofori‑Atta’s American legal representatives are reportedly in direct contact with ICE officials and expect the matter to be resolved expeditiously, the statement added.
What U.S. Authorities Say: Immigration vs. Criminal Custody
Legal analysts in Washington, D.C. familiar with immigration proceedings tell this newsroom that ICE detentions often occur when an individual has submitted a pending petition for adjustment of status — a common immigration step that allows a non‑citizen to apply for lawful permanent residence while remaining in the U.S.
An ICE official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to policy, explained:
“Detention in these instances is not unusual. Anyone in a status adjustment process who terminates their visa validity without formal authorization could be taken into custody until paperwork is clarified.”
This is an administrative — not criminal — detention unless there is an underpinning violation. This supports Ofori‑Atta’s legal team’s explanation that the situation is a matter of immigration law compliance.
Background: Ofori‑Atta’s U.S. Presence and Health Issues
Mr. Ofori‑Atta has been in the United States since January 2025, initially citing medical treatment as the primary reason for his extended stay.
According to clinic sources and media reports, in June 2025 he underwent a radical prostatectomy at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, after being diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier in March.
Medical records reviewed by this newsroom confirm that treatment for prostate cancer — especially after surgery — can require months of follow‑up care, potentially contributing to his prolonged stay. Specialists note that such cases routinely involve status adjustments under U.S. immigration law.
Corruption Allegations in Ghana (78 Counts) and Extradition Efforts
While U.S. authorities maintain that the detention is immigration‑related, Ghana is aggressively pursuing extradition proceedings against the former minister over serious financial allegations.
In November 2025, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) filed a 78‑count indictment accusing Mr. Ofori‑Atta and seven others of procurement abuses and causing over GH¢1.4 billion (≈ US$128 million) in financial loss through the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) contracts, contracts intended for government revenue assurance services.
The Attorney‑General of Ghana, Dr. Dominic Ayine, publicly confirmed transmission of a formal extradition request to the U.S. Department of Justice in December 2025 after additional documentation was prepared and vetted by Ghana’s International Cooperation Unit.
“We have fulfilled all legal requirements and forwarded the extradition package to our counterparts in the United States,” Ayine said, emphasizing commitment to accountability and due process.
If approved, U.S. judicial authorities will decide whether there is sufficient legal basis under the existing treaty to extradite Mr. Ofori‑Atta for prosecution in Ghana.
Interpol Status: Not Removed, Still Under Review
Claims circulating on social media that Ofori‑Atta has been removed from the Interpol Red Notice list have been explicitly denied by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor.
In November 2025, the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files acknowledged that Ofori‑Atta’s application for removal was under assessment. During any ongoing review, identifying details may be redacted from public access, but the notice itself remains in force.
OSP statements clarified that removal from public view is procedural and does not equate to full withdrawal of the Red Notice.
Legal and Public Commentary: Ghanaian and International Perspectives
Dr. Eric Nana Amoako, a legal scholar at the University of Ghana’s Faculty of Law, told this newsroom:
“The interplay between immigration enforcement and international extradition matters is complicated. An individual may be lawfully detained for immigration reasons even while extradition proceedings are pending back home.”
He added that U.S. courts will independently evaluate the extradition request based on treaty obligations, evidence sufficiency, and legal protections afforded under American law.
In an expert commentary published by the American Immigration Council, analysts explain that ICE detentions for immigrants with pending petitions are procedural and do not inherently prejudge guilt or innocence of underlying criminal allegations. ICE regularly holds individuals until their paperwork is clarified. Such detentions can last days or weeks depending on case complexity.
David McNamara, an immigration rights attorney based in Baltimore, said in an interview:
“If an immigrant is detained while adjustment is pending, they have the ability to request hearings, bond, and legal review. In high‑profile cases, this often becomes publicized, but due process still applies.”
According to McNamara, ICE typically offers detainees access to representation and an opportunity to correct any procedural issue. This aligns with Ofori‑Atta’s legal team being in active engagement with U.S. officials.
Five Co‑Accused Released on Bail in Ghana’s SML Case
While Ofori‑Atta remains detained abroad, developments in Ghana’s courts continue apace. In December 2025, five co‑accused persons — including former GRA Commissioner‑Generals Emmanuel Kofi Nti and Ammishaddai Owusu‑Amoah — were granted bail of GH¢250 million each in the SML case.
These individuals, like Ofori‑Atta, have pleaded not guilty to charges that include causing financial loss to the state, abuse of public office, and influencing the procurement process for unfair advantage.
Political Reactions and Rule of Law
Back in Accra, public discourse has been intense. Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo‑Addo has publicly stated that he will not interfere with the rule of law, emphasizing that independent institutions must act without political pressure. Analysts say this reinforces Ghana’s commitment to accountability.
Opposition figures argue that legal cases must be transparent and free from political influence. Civil society groups have also called for full disclosure of the SML contract terms and public audits.
What Comes Next? U.S. Proceedings and Ghana’s Legal Timeline
As of 8 January 2026, Mr. Ofori‑Atta remains in ICE custody at the Caroline Detention Facility in the U.S., where his immigration status will be reviewed while Ghana’s extradition request moves through diplomatic and judicial channels.
If U.S. authorities find that his status paperwork is incomplete or improperly filed, Mr. Ofori‑Atta may be released on conditions, or transferred directly into extradition proceedings, depending on how the case evolves.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s criminal case against him and others continues through the local courts.