The Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC, has confirmed that former Minister for Finance, Mr. Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, is currently in the custody of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), assuring that it is actively engaging US authorities to safeguard his rights and welfare.
In an official statement dated January 10, 2026, and signed by Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, the mission said it moved promptly to establish the facts after receiving information about the former minister’s detention.
According to the statement, the embassy initiated immediate verification processes and subsequently contacted the relevant detention facility to seek consular access, consistent with international diplomatic protocols and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
The convention guarantees foreign nationals the right to consular assistance when detained abroad.
However, the embassy disclosed that Mr. Ofori-Atta opted not to meet with consular officers at the time, indicating his preference to engage only in the presence of his legal representatives.
The mission clarified that this position was a personal decision taken by Mr. Ofori-Atta and should not be interpreted as a restriction imposed by United States authorities.
“The Embassy was informed by the facility that the detainee declined to engage with consular officials without his lawyers present,” the statement said.
Despite this development, the embassy stressed that it remains in continuous contact with the appropriate US agencies and is closely monitoring the situation to ensure that all legal and human rights standards are fully observed.
The statement did not outline the specific reasons for the detention, nor did it comment on any potential legal proceedings, noting that such matters fall under due process and ongoing investigations.
Mr. Ofori-Atta, who played a central role in Ghana’s economic management over several years, remains a high-profile figure, and news of his detention has attracted widespread attention in Ghana and among Ghanaians living in the United States.
Diplomatic sources note that it is customary for embassies to offer support to detained nationals, including welfare checks and facilitation of communication, but such assistance may be deferred at the request of the individual involved, especially where legal advice is being followed.
The Embassy of Ghana reiterated that it stands ready to provide full consular support should Mr. Ofori-Atta choose to request assistance at any point.
“The Embassy will continue to follow the matter closely to ensure that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s rights are totally respected,” the statement concluded.
