Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine says Ken Ofori-Atta (L) could face deportation January 20
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has disclosed details regarding what may become of former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, following his pending court appearance on January 20, 2026.
In an interview on Starr FM, shared on X on January 16, 2026, Dr Ayine noted that the former finance minister, who has been declared a fugitive by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, could face deportation by a US immigration judge on January 20, 2026.
According to the Minister of Justice, Ken Ofori-Atta’s situation in the United States is more dire than previously thought, adding that the former finance minister could either self-deport to avoid embarrassment or be forcibly deported.
OSP re-declares Ken Ofori-Atta a fugitive
“The possibility is very high and he could either self-deport or face deportation by the immigration judge on January 20. So after the hearing, we will get to know what the judge decides regarding his immigration status. But it’s more serious than I thought,” he said.
Dr Ayine additionally reiterated that his office is not investigating Ken Ofori-Atta in the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) scandal, as separate investigations are already being conducted on the matter.
According to Dr Ayine, Ken Ofori-Atta is currently being investigated over several other cases, including transactions and activities undertaken during his tenure as Minister of Finance.
Ken Ofori-Atta arrested and detained in the US
“I also mentioned that there are other investigations ongoing. So it is not only the SML investigation, which has been conducted by the OSP, that may lead to issues of accountability or alleged criminality. There are other investigations that I am undertaking, which will be announced at the appropriate time,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ofori-Atta is a suspect in multiple criminal investigations being conducted by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), which has declared him wanted and placed him on an Interpol Red Notice.
Below are the cases for which the OSP has declared Ofori-Atta wanted:
1. Contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority, aimed at enhancing revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and the minerals and metals resources value chain.
2. Termination of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC) for the Distribution, Loss Reduction, and Associated Network Improvement Project.
‘Illegal alien!’ – US ICE confirms Ofori-Atta overstayed visa, faces deportation
3. Procurement of contractors, materials, and payments related to the National Cathedral project.
4. Activities and payments associated with a contract awarded by the Ministry of Health (initially commenced by the Ministry for Special Development Initiatives) to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase, after-sales service, and maintenance of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 305 CDI ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.
5. Payments from, and utilisation of funds within, the Tax Refund Account of the Ghana Revenue Authority.
Watch the video below:
According to Hon. Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine (MP), Attorney-General & Minister for Justice Ken Ofori-Atta aka the Fugitive could either self-deport from the US or be deported by an immigration Judge on 20th January. Interesting days ahead. #WelcomeHomeKen pic.twitter.com/rQuHyve3WG
— Aristotlektv (@aristotledada) January 16, 2026
JHM/SSM
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