On January 6, 2026, Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s former finance minister, was taken into custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials in Virginia. The 66-year-old had been in the United States since January 2025 for medical treatment, including prostate cancer surgery ⚕️.
In February 2025, Ghanaian authorities declared Ofori-Atta a fugitive, and in November of the same year he was formally charged with suspected corruption. His legal team had applied to extend his US stay, but ICE stepped in on immigration grounds.
According to ICE’s public records, Ofori-Atta is now held at a Virginia detention facility. His lawyers say they’re in close contact with ICE and expect a swift resolution, stressing that he is fully cooperating with authorities 🤝.
This arrest comes at a time when the US has tightened visa restrictions for many African nationals, adding another layer of complexity to cross-continental legal battles 🌍.
Ofori-Atta served as Ghana’s finance minister from 2017 to 2024 under former president Nana Akufo-Addo. During his tenure, he managed tough negotiations with the International Monetary Fund and introduced controversial tax measures that polarized public opinion.
As the story develops, Ghanaian and international observers are watching closely. Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding saga! 🔍
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
