Legal representatives of Ghana’s former Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, have moved swiftly to clarify reports of his arrest in the United States, stressing that his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is an immigration-related matter rather than a criminal case.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, the law firm Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners (MPOBB) explained that Mr Ofori-Atta was detained over questions surrounding the status of his continued stay in the United States. The firm noted that his U.S.-based legal team is actively engaging ICE to resolve the issue.
According to the lawyers, Mr Ofori-Atta has a pending petition for adjustment of status, a lawful process under U.S. immigration regulations that allows an individual to remain in the country beyond the validity of an initial visa while an application is being considered.
“The detention relates solely to immigration status issues, and Mr Ofori-Atta is fully cooperating with ICE,” the statement said, adding that the matter is expected to be resolved expeditiously.
The clarification follows reports by Asaase Online suggesting that the former Finance Minister had been arrested, sparking widespread public and political reaction in Ghana. His lawyers have urged the public to remain calm, describing him as a law-abiding individual who is following due legal processes in the United States.
Mr Ofori-Atta’s detention comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over his tenure as Finance Minister from 2017 until his exit from office. In Ghana, he continues to face multiple legal and political challenges, including investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) over alleged corruption and related offences.
The OSP has previously declared Mr Ofori-Atta wanted after he failed to honour invitations to appear for questioning, citing medical reasons and travel abroad. Separately, the Attorney-General has initiated legal processes, including extradition efforts, aimed at securing his return to Ghana to answer to pending court cases.
While his lawyers insist the ICE matter is purely administrative, the development adds another layer to the complex legal battles surrounding the former Finance Minister, both at home and abroad.
