Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta appeared before a U.S. immigration court in Virginia on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, as authorities continue proceedings regarding his stay in the country.
The court appearance follows his detention on January 8 by officers of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). U.S. authorities argue that Mr. Ofori-Atta no longer holds valid permission to remain in the country after the cancellation of his visitor visa.
The case was heard at the Annandale Immigration Court, where Immigration Judge David Gardey presided over a bond reconsideration and an initial review of the matter.
Court records indicate that the former minister is being held at the Caroline Detention Center while proceedings continue.
Mr. Ofori-Atta was represented by attorneys including Christopher Chaisson of Whiteford Taylor & Preston, alongside his long-time immigration counsel, Kwao Amagashi.
During the hearing, his lawyers requested that both the bond session and the master calendar hearing be closed to the public, citing the sensitive nature of the issues expected to arise.
Judge Gardey approved the request, ordering that the proceedings be held privately and instructing non-parties who had joined via Webex to leave before deliberations resumed.
The outcome of the case will determine whether Mr. Ofori-Atta is allowed to remain in the United States or faces removal, a development that could also have implications for related legal matters in Ghana.
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