Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has recently been released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody under a judicial order, his legal team confirmed on April 8, 2026. This development comes amid ongoing legal challenges and allegations of corruption in Ghana, which his lawyers argue he has not been formally notified about.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in Ghana formally charged Ofori-Atta and seven others in November 2025 with 78 counts of corruption and corruption-related offences. These charges include conspiracy to influence procurement processes and causing financial loss to the state, specifically relating to the Strategic Mobilisation Limited contract and other alleged financial irregularities during his tenure as Finance Minister from 2017 to 2024. Following his departure from Ghana in early 2025 for medical treatment and subsequent failure to appear for questioning, the OSP declared him a fugitive from justice by February 2025.

Ofori-Atta's immigration ordeal in the United States began in January 2026 when he was arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement for overstaying his visitor visa. He was subsequently released on bond on April 7, 2026, pending further US immigration proceedings. His legal team, led by Justice Kusi-Minkah Premo of Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline & Partners, issued a statement confirming his release from ICE detention pursuant to a judicial order and his reunion with family in the United States.

Frank Davies, Ofori-Atta's lawyer, strongly refuted reports suggesting his client was preparing to respond to charges in Ghana, describing them as "a cacophony of noises." Davies asserted that as of his statement, Ofori-Atta had not been formally notified of any charges. He underscored that formal notification is a distinct and crucial step in Ghana's criminal justice system, separate from the OSP merely preferring charges. "He has not been notified," Davies stated, questioning how his client could be expected to respond without proper service, especially given his absence from Ghana's jurisdiction. Davies indicated that Ofori-Atta's team is prepared to take the necessary legal steps once formal notification is received.

Sources close to the matter have clarified that Ofori-Atta's ICE detention was procedurally rooted in administrative red flags triggered by the OSP’s international compliance alerts, rather than any criminal offense under U.S. law. Mr. Premo emphasized his client's commitment to using due process in defense of his rights as guaranteed under the U.S. constitution and laws.

Private legal practitioner Amanda Akorkor Clinton further elaborated on the complexities of the case, stressing the importance of due process in both immigration and potential criminal extradition matters. Speaking on Joy FM Top Story, Clinton differentiated between the "immigration route," which led to Ofori-Atta's recent detention, and the "legal extradition route," highlighting that these are entirely separate legal processes. She cautioned against premature conclusions that could damage reputations, stating, "A person’s name should not be soiled before a court determines what exactly has happened." While unconfirmed reports mentioned a green card and possible visa revocation, Clinton noted that ICE's detention appeared to be based on an alleged immigration violation, not a criminal conviction. Despite Ghanaian authorities expecting Ofori-Atta to face charges, his legal team continues to characterize the situation as a "political witch-hunt."