A United States immigration court has reportedly denied a bail application by former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, leaving him in detention as he continues to contest deportation and extradition matters.
According to reports, the bail decision was made by Judge David Gardey in a federal immigration court in Virginia after Ofori-Atta’s lawyers asked for his release while his case proceeds. The judge ruled against granting bail, meaning Ofori-Atta will remain in the custody of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Caroline Detention Facility.
The former minister’s legal team had argued for bail partly on grounds that he should be able to participate in his ongoing legal process and access appropriate medical care. The judge, however, reportedly maintained that Ofori-Atta has access to necessary medical services at the detention centre and declined the bail request.
Ofori-Atta has been in U.S. immigration custody after his visa was revoked and detention was triggered over alleged immigration violations related to his stay in the United States. His case has drawn international attention, as the Government of Ghana, through its legal representatives, is pursuing a formal extradition request seeking his return to face prosecution at home on corruption and financial misconduct charges linked to his time as Finance Minister from 2017 to 2024.
The court has adjourned parts of the case, with further hearings scheduled in April 2026 to consider the extradition documentation and other legal arguments. Until then, Ofori-Atta remains detained in the United States.
