Former Ghana Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been detained by US immigration amid corruption charges in Ghana.
Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s former finance minister, has been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to his legal team. The 66-year-old is wanted in Ghana on allegations of corruption.
Ofori-Atta, who served as finance minister from 2017 to 2024 under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, has been in the United States since January 2025 to receive medical treatment, including prostate cancer surgery.
“His US legal team is in contact with ICE and expects the matter to be resolved expeditiously,” his lawyers said in a statement late Wednesday, adding that he is cooperating fully with authorities.
READ ALSO
- Kenyan Police Accused of Spying on Activist, Boniface Mwangi
- Gabon Orders Indefinite Social Media Ban Amid Social Unrest
- Ghana Moves to Extradite Russian National Over Cybercrime Allegations
Corruption Allegations in Ghana
Ofori-Atta was declared a fugitive in February 2025 and was formally charged with corruption in November 2025. He had applied to extend his stay in the US, citing ongoing medical needs.
ICE confirmed that Ofori-Atta was taken into custody on Tuesday over “the status of his current stay in the United States.” According to ICE’s online database, he is being held at a facility in Virginia.
During his tenure as finance minister, Ofori-Atta oversaw contentious tax reforms and negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which drew both praise and criticism. His detainment highlights increasing scrutiny of public officials facing legal issues abroad.
About The Author
