Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta was detained by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on January 6, 2026, over questions about his lawful status in the US. This led to a private bail application hearing before Judge David A. Gardey at the United States Immigration Court on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. During the proceedings, state attorneys opposed Ofori-Atta's bail request, citing an alleged extradition request by the Ghanaian government.

Judge Gardey declined to make an immediate ruling, stating that the court requires concrete proof rather than mere assertions. He directed the federal government to submit documentary evidence of the extradition request by February 19, 2026, before any determination on Ofori-Atta’s release could be made.

Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, expressed optimism about Ofori-Atta’s eventual return. Speaking to JoyNews, Ayine clarified the distinction between US immigration proceedings and the formal extradition process. He confirmed that the US Justice Department is actively processing Ghana’s extradition request but noted that the timeline is ultimately in the hands of American authorities.

Meanwhile, Ofori-Atta’s legal team, represented by Frank Davies, refuted claims that their client was avoiding prosecution. Davies emphasized that Ofori-Atta intends to return to Ghana to face lawful investigations, asserting: “When it is appropriate for Ken to come, he will come. Whether by extradition or otherwise, he will come. And when he comes, he will face the full rigor of the law.” He further stressed the former minister’s right to legal representation and due process, dismissing public narratives suggesting otherwise.

Ken Ofori-Atta served as Ghana’s Finance Minister from 2017 to 2024 under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration. His tenure included controversies regarding financial management, procurement decisions, and revenue assurance contracts. The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has ongoing investigations into several transactions during his term, including debt restructuring and sole-sourcing arrangements. Ofori-Atta’s legal team maintains that his temporary absence from Ghana was due to health and security concerns, not evasion.

Public pressure has also mounted. The activist group Arise Ghana initiated picketing at the US Embassy in Accra, demanding the former minister’s immediate return. Lead convener Bernard Mornah stated the protests would continue indefinitely, reviewing strategy every two weeks depending on developments in the extradition process.