Ofori-Atta’s US visa didn’t expire, it was revoked – Deputy AG

Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai says former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta’s US visa was revoked in June 2025, not expired.

Justice Srem Sai dismissed reports suggesting the former finance minister’s visa had merely run out, explaining that available information points to an outright revocation.

He said this clarification followed public speculation surrounding Ofori-Atta’s reported detention by US immigration authorities.

“June 2025, his visa was revoked; it’s not an expiration of the Visa. The information we have is that his visa was revoked.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 on TV3 Saturday morning.

The clarification comes after Ofori-Atta’s legal team announced on January 7, 2026, that he had been detained by United States security agencies, specifically Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The development triggered widespread debate over his immigration status and the circumstances surrounding his stay in the US.

In a statement issued in Ghana, his lawyers maintained that Ofori-Atta had taken steps to regularise his status and was not in violation of US law.

“Mr. Ofori-Atta has a pending petition for adjustment of status, which authorizes a person to stay in the US legally past the period of validity of their visa. Under US law, a change of status by this method is common,” the statement said.

They further urged the public to exercise restraint as the matter is addressed by US authorities.

“The Public is therefore advised to note that Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta as a law-abiding person is fully cooperating with ICE to have this issue resolved,” the lawyers added.

Ofori-Atta, who served as finance minister for several years, is currently standing trial in Ghana over his alleged roles in the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) deal, the National Cathedral project, and other transactions undertaken during his tenure.

Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, his lawyers insist he remains in the United States primarily for health reasons. They say he is unwell and receiving medical care, a factor they argue should be considered alongside the legal and immigration issues now unfolding.