By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi for Ghanaiannews Canada, 12 January 2026
Former Ghanaian Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta has turned down diplomatic support offered by the Ghanaian Embassy in Washington, D.C., following his detention by U.S. authorities a development that has captured intense public and political interest in both Ghana and abroad.
The Embassy of Ghana confirmed that Mr. Ofori-Atta, who is currently in the custody of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), refused to engage with Ghanaian consular officials unless his legal representatives were present.
According to a statement issued by Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, the mission acted swiftly upon learning of Mr. Ofori-Atta’s detention, verifying the circumstances and formally requesting access to offer consular assistance in line with international and diplomatic practice. However, officials at the detention facility informed the Embassy that the former minister preferred not to meet consular officers without his lawyers present.
Despite the refusal, the Embassy has stressed that it remains in contact with U.S. authorities and is closely monitoring developments to ensure that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s rights are fully respected throughout the process.
Mr. Ofori-Atta, who headed Ghana’s Finance Ministry from 2017 to 2024, was taken into custody on January 6, 2026, following concerns relating to his immigration status in the United States. U.S. officials reportedly revoked his visa in mid-2025, giving him a deadline to depart the country a deadline that passed without his exit, prompting ICE action.
His legal team has filed a petition for adjustment of status, which under U.S. law can allow an individual to remain in the country while awaiting review of their immigration case. Mr. Ofori-Atta is scheduled to appear before a U.S. immigration judge on January 20, 2026, with opportunities for appeal available through the U.S. judicial system.
The situation also intersects with Ghana’s ongoing legal efforts. The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the Attorney-General’s Office have been pursuing allegations of corruption tied to Mr. Ofori-Atta’s tenure, including controversial deals such as the SML Group transaction and the National Cathedral project.
The Ghanaian government has submitted a formal extradition request to U.S. authorities, though such proceedings if they go forward are expected to involve extended legal processes in U.S. courts.
The refusal to engage with diplomatic officials without lawyers present is widely seen as a legal strategy, reflecting the complexity of the case and Mr. Ofori-Atta’s efforts to manage his defence within the U.S. legal system.
As the situation continues to unfold, both the Ghanaian and American legal arenas will play critical roles in determining Mr. Ofori-Atta’s future whether through immigration adjudication, potential deportation, or extradition proceedings.
