Kweku Zurek
2 minutes read
Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been released from the custody of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a judicial order, his legal team has announced.
In a statement issued on April 8, 2026, by his solicitor, Justice Kusi-Minkah Premo of Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline & Partners, the former minister was released on April 7, 2026, and has since returned home to his family.
“On April 7, 2026, Ken Ofori-Atta was released from ICE detention pursuant to judicial order. He is home with his family,” the statement read.
“Mr Ofori-Atta remains fully committed to use due process in defence of his rights as guaranteed under the constitution and laws of the United States.”
Mr Ofori-Atta’s detention in the United States stems from ongoing investigations by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
The OSP has been probing allegations of corruption and abuse of office involving the former minister, particularly relating to the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme and other financial decisions during his tenure as Finance Minister under the previous administration.
As part of those investigations, the OSP reportedly issued directives restricting his ability to travel while the inquiry remained active. Although Mr Ofori-Atta later travelled to the United States legally, ICE officials flagged his documents after cross-checking with international compliance alerts linked to the OSP’s processes, leading to a review of his immigration status and his subsequent placement in ICE detention pending a judicial determination.
Sources close to the matter have indicated that the issue was procedurally rooted in administrative red flags triggered by the OSP’s notices rather than any criminal offence under United States law.
Family expresses gratitude
The former minister’s legal team expressed gratitude for the support received during the period of detention.
“He and his family remain thankful to God and all those who have offered prayers and support during this period,” the statement added.
The development brings a temporary resolution to a situation that had drawn attention from both Ghanaian and international observers, with Mr Ofori-Atta now able to return to his family while his legal team continues to engage with the relevant authorities.
