We’ll ensure Ofori-Atta’s rights are respected – Victor Smith

The Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC, has confirmed that Ghana’s former Minister of Finance, Mr Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, has been taken into custody by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In a press statement issued on Saturday, January 10, 2026, the Embassy said it received official information regarding Mr Ofori-Atta’s detention and immediately initiated steps to verify the circumstances surrounding the matter.

Following confirmation, the Embassy formally engaged the relevant detention facility and requested consular access to Mr Ofori-Atta in line with established diplomatic practice and international protocols.

However, the Embassy disclosed that officials at the facility informed them that Mr Ofori-Atta declined to engage with Ghanaian consular officers at that time, indicating that he would only do so in the presence of his legal representatives.

Despite this development, the Embassy assured that it remains in continuous contact with the appropriate United States authorities and is closely monitoring the situation to ensure that due process is followed.

“The Embassy of Ghana remains in contact with the appropriate United States authorities and will continue to follow the matter closely to ensure that Mr Ofori-Atta’s rights are totally respected,” the statement said.

The statement was signed by Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, and addressed to all media houses.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Justice Srem-Sai, has stated that former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, could return to Ghana sooner than many expect, following developments surrounding his immigration status in the United States.

Speaking on TV3’s Key Points programme on Saturday, January 10, Justice Srem-Sai said the Ministry of Justice is deeply involved in the matter and is working closely with relevant law enforcement agencies.

“We are keenly involved in this matter. We collaborate with law enforcement agencies in this matter,” he stated.

He explained that the involvement of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was not incidental, stressing that the agency only acts when there are immigration or visa-related concerns.

“ICE will not come for you unless you have visa issues. That is what has happened,” Justice Srem-Sai explained.

According to the Deputy Attorney-General, Mr Ofori-Atta’s U.S. visa was revoked in June 2025, contrary to earlier claims that it had merely expired.

“June 2025, his visa was revoked; it’s not an expiration of the visa. The information we have is that his visa was revoked. So he has been living in America without a visa,” he said.

Lawyers for Mr Ofori-Atta have meanwhile disclosed that steps are being taken in the United States to resolve his immigration situation. His lawyer, Frank Davies, confirmed that a petition had been filed to extend his client’s immigration status, but ICE proceeded with the detention regardless.

Mr Ofori-Atta is currently being held at the Caroline Detention Facility in the United States as legal processes continue.