The Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC, has confirmed that former Finance Minister, Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, is currently in the custody of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In a press release dated Saturday, January 10, 2026, and signed by Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, the Embassy said it received information regarding Mr Ofori-Atta’s detention and promptly took steps to verify the situation.
Following confirmation, the Embassy formally contacted the relevant detention facility to request access to the former minister in order to offer consular assistance, in line with diplomatic and international protocols.
However, officials at the facility indicated that Mr Ofori-Atta declined to meet with consular officers at that time, explaining that he would only do so in the presence of his lawyers.
The Embassy assured that it remains in constant contact with the appropriate United States authorities and will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure that Mr Ofori-Atta’s rights are fully respected.
