The Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC, has confirmed that Ghana’s former Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been taken into custody by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In a press release dated December 10, 2026, and signed by Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, the embassy said it received information regarding Ofori-Atta’s detention and subsequently took steps to verify the circumstances surrounding the matter.
According to the statement, following confirmation, the embassy formally contacted the relevant detention facility to request access to Ofori-Atta in order to provide consular assistance in line with established diplomatic and international protocols.
However, the embassy was informed that the former finance minister declined to engage with consular officials at that time without 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 said.
The embassy did not provide details on the reasons for Ofori-Atta’s detention or indicate how long he is expected to remain in ICE custody.
As of the time of publication, neither U.S. immigration authorities nor representatives of Ofori-Atta had issued further public comments on the matter.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
