The Ghana Voice,
Accra, Ghana
Ghana Embassy Confirms Detention of Ken Ofori-Atta in U.S. as ICE Arrest Sparks Diplomatic Engagement
Lawrence 11-01-2026The Embassy of Ghana in Washington, D.C., has officially confirmed the detention of Ghana’s former Minister for Finance, Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), following his arrest earlier this month in Washington.
In a press release issued to media houses, the Embassy stated that upon receiving information about Mr. Ofori-Atta’s detention, it immediately initiated steps to verify the circumstances surrounding the arrest and formally engaged the relevant U.S. authorities.
According to the statement, the Embassy requested access to Mr. Ofori-Atta to offer consular assistance in line with established diplomatic and international protocols. However, U.S. officials informed the Embassy that the former finance minister declined to meet consular officers at that time, indicating that he would only do so in the presence of his lawyers.
“The Embassy of Ghana remains in contact with the appropriate United States authorities and will continue to follow the matter closely to ensure that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s rights are totally respected,” the statement assured.
Mr. Ofori-Atta was arrested by ICE on January 6, 2026, in a targeted operation outside the Westlight apartment complex in Washington, D.C., where he had been residing with his family. He was subsequently transported to the Caroline Detention Facility in Virginia, approximately 89 miles from the arrest location.
The arrest is understood to be linked to Mr. Ofori-Atta’s immigration status in the United States. Ghana’s Attorney-General has previously disclosed that the former minister’s U.S. visa was revoked in July 2025, with instructions for him to leave the country by November 29, 2025.
Mr. Ofori-Atta is also facing corruption and corruption-related charges in Ghana over his alleged role in the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) scandal. The Government of Ghana has since initiated processes to secure his extradition to face trial.
Legal sources indicate that Mr. Ofori-Atta is expected to appear before a U.S. court later this month as proceedings relating to his detention and immigration status continue.
The press release was signed by Ambassador Victor Emmanuel Smith on December 10, 2026, and addressed to all media houses, marking the first official diplomatic confirmation of the former finance minister’s detention since his arrest.
As developments unfold, both legal and diplomatic attention remains focused on the case, which has drawn significant public interest in Ghana and beyond.