Ken Ofori-Atta has rejected consular assistance by Ghana’s Embassy in the US – Ambassador

• Posted on January 12, 2026January 12, 2026
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Victor Emmanuel Smith, has disclosed that former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta has rejected all diplomatic courtesies accorded him while in in the custody of the Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE).

This is contained in a press release dated January 10.

“The Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC, can confirm that Ghana’s former Minister for Finance, Mr. Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, has been taken into custody by Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) in the United States. Upon receiving this information, the Embassy undertook the necessary steps to verify the circumstances surrounding the matter,”Mr Smith wrote.

According to him, “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. The Embassy was informed by the facility that the detainee declined to engage with consular officials at that time without his lawyers present.”

Ghana’s Ambassador noted that “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.”

On January 7, Mr Ofori-Atta’s lawyers, announced that the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained him regarding the status of his current stay in the United States.

This is contained in a Public Notice issued by his lawyers, Menka-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners on January 7.

The notice said the US legal team is in contact with ICE and expects the matter to be resolved expeditiously.

“Mr. Ofori-Atta has a pending petition for adjustment of status, which authorizes a person to stay in the US legally past the period of validity of their visa. Under US law, a change of status by this method is common,” the lawyers explained.

“The Public is therefore advised to note that Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta as a law-abiding person is fully cooperating with ICE to have this issue resolved,” they said.

Mr Ofori-Atta is wanted by the Attorney-General and the Office of the Special Prosecutor for offences related to the SML Deal, National Cathedral project etc.

He is currently in the US seeking medical care for a long-standing illness.

Although his lawyers have promised to ensure his return to Ghana, recent developments indicate that the former Minister of Finance may not return to the jurisdiction.