The Embassy of Ghana in Washington, D.C., has confirmed that Ghana’s former Minister for Finance, Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, has been taken into custody by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In a press statement issued on January 10, 2026, and signed by Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, the Embassy said it received information about Mr. Ofori-Atta’s detention and immediately took steps to verify the circumstances surrounding the matter.
“Upon receiving this information, the Embassy undertook the necessary steps to verify the circumstances surrounding the matter,” the statement said.
Following confirmation, the Embassy formally contacted the relevant detention facility to request access to Mr. Ofori-Atta in order to provide consular assistance in line with established diplomatic and international protocols.
However, the Embassy said it was informed by the facility that Mr. Ofori-Atta had declined to engage with consular officials at that time without his lawyers present.
“The Embassy was informed by the facility that the detainee declined to engage with consular officials at that time without his lawyers present,” the statement noted.
The Embassy assured that it remains in contact with the appropriate United States authorities and will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s rights are fully respected.
The statement did not provide details about the reasons for Mr. Ofori-Atta’s detention or the duration of his custody.
Mr. Ofori-Atta served as Ghana’s Minister for Finance under the previous administration.
