Ken Ofori-Atta, is a former Minister of Finance
Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is scheduled to appear before a United States of America (USA) court on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, following actions by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) concerning his immigration status.
ICE officials have indicated that Ofori-Atta no longer holds lawful status in the United States, a development that could pave the way for proceedings related to a possible extradition to Ghana.
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has rejected suggestions that the matter is a routine case of visa overstay.
According to him, Ofori-Atta’s visitor visa was formally revoked by US authorities, rather than expiring naturally.
Ken Ofori-Atta still at caroline detention centre – Legal team
Dr Ayine explained in a recent interview that US authorities had earlier granted Ofori-Atta permission to remain in the country until November 29, 2025, but he failed to depart by the stipulated date.
“This is not exactly about immigration. His visa has not expired. It expires in February. No, it was revoked. I am telling you this on authority,” Dr Ayine stated.
Dr Ayine further disclosed that the visa revocation is connected to ongoing investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), particularly those relating to the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) matter.
“I have been working with the Americans diligently on him. And the visa was revoked. And that is why he lost his immigration status in the United States,” the Attorney-General said.
Ken Ofori-Atta has been charged with corruption and corruption-related offences in connection with the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) scandal.
The Government of Ghana has formally requested his extradition from the United States to face the charges.
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Meanwhile, watch as Ghanaians respond to Ofori-Atta’s detention
