The legal team representing former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has strongly challenged his detention by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, stating that the matter is purely administrative and related to immigration status rather than any criminal wrongdoing.
In a public statement, the lawyers explained that Mr. Ofori-Atta was taken into custody by immigration authorities over questions surrounding the validity of his stay in the United States. They clarified that he has a pending petition for adjustment of status, a lawful immigration process that allows an individual to remain in the country while their application is being reviewed. According to the legal team, this petition was properly filed and remains under consideration, making the detention unnecessary.
The lawyers stressed that the former finance minister has fully cooperated with US authorities and has no intention of evading the law. They described him as a law-abiding individual who followed due process in addressing his immigration status. The legal team further assured the public that discussions are ongoing with immigration officials and expressed confidence that the issue will be resolved within the framework of the law.
Mr. Ofori-Atta has been in the United States since early 2025, primarily for medical treatment and recovery following a surgical procedure. His representatives disputed claims that he deliberately overstayed his visa, maintaining that all required legal steps were taken to regularise his stay.
The detention has also drawn attention due to ongoing efforts by the Ghanaian government to have the former minister return home to answer questions related to his time in office. His lawyers, however, insist that the current detention should not be conflated with any extradition matters and should be treated strictly as an immigration issue.
They urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation while legal processes take their course.
