Ghana's former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, was detained by agents of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on the morning of January 6, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The arrest, described by sources, including investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, as a targeted operation, occurred as Mr. Ofori-Atta was leaving the Westlight apartment complex, an affluent luxury building located at 1111 24th Street NW, less than a mile from the White House. He was subsequently transported to the Caroline Detention Facility in Virginia, approximately 89 miles away, a journey that took about an hour and a half. Sources indicate Mr. Ofori-Atta had been residing in the Westlight building with his son and wife, a location known for housing high-profile individuals, including former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris who sold her condo there for $1.85 million in April 2021.

Mr. Ofori-Atta's legal team swiftly issued a statement confirming his detention and asserting his full cooperation with ICE. They explained that his situation pertains to a pending petition for adjustment of status, a standard procedure under U.S. immigration law allowing individuals to remain legally in the country while their application is under review. The legal team expressed confidence in an expeditious resolution, describing the process as common and stating that Mr. Ofori-Atta is not an illegal immigrant due to this pending petition.

However, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, offered a contrasting perspective, insisting that the development extends beyond a routine immigration matter. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on January 10, Dr. Ayine revealed that Mr. Ofori-Atta's U.S. visa had been revoked in July 2025, with a subsequent deadline of November 29, 2025, for him to voluntarily leave the country. According to Dr. Ayine, this revocation led to the loss of Mr. Ofori-Atta’s lawful immigration status in the United States, suggesting that attempts to frame it as a simple immigration issue are designed to downplay its seriousness. He further disclosed that he had submitted an extradition request to U.S. authorities in connection with corruption and corruption-related charges against Mr. Ofori-Atta in Ghana, stemming from his role in the SML scandal. Ernest Darko Akore is also charged in the same scandal, having left Ghana on November 19, 2024.

Members of Mr. Ofori-Atta's legal team in Ghana, including Frank Davies, urged the public to adopt a fair and balanced view, reminding them that his client remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Speaking on Joy Prime on January 10, Mr. Davies emphasized that the current immigration matter in the U.S. is distinct from any extradition proceedings initiated by Ghana. He confirmed that lawyers in the United States have already filed a court process to challenge Mr. Ofori-Atta's custody in ICE detention, with a hearing expected later this month. Mr. Davies also reiterated Mr. Ofori-Atta's intention to return to Ghana once his medical team clears him for travel, as he is currently in a recuperative stage following a major surgery, and is consulting with his medical team daily.

Economic Adviser to the Vice President, Sharif Mahamud Khalid, cautioned that Mr. Ofori-Atta's prolonged absence from Ghana could escalate public debate around his situation, even if it does not affect legal outcomes. While acknowledging the former minister's global prominence prior to leaving office, Mr. Khalid stressed the powerful social and psychological impact of public opinion on one's reputation. He urged restraint, noting the complexity of such situations and advising against premature conclusions, stating that mistakes can occur in public office and that a competent court should pass verdict.

The events surrounding Mr. Ofori-Atta’s detention, including the legal and political implications, were prominently featured on JoyNews' Newsfile on Saturday, January 10, underscoring the national significance of the former minister's predicament. His Ghanaian passport indicated valid visas for the UK (expiring April 21, 2032), Canada (expiring May 31, 2031), and the U.S. (expiring February 14, 2026), prior to the revocation of his U.S. visa.