Former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta is expected to remain in the custody of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement until February 19, following developments in his ongoing immigration proceedings in the United States.
At a recent hearing, an immigration judge declined to grant immediate release after a bond application was filed on Ofori Atta’s behalf. The request sought to allow him temporary freedom while issues surrounding his immigration status are resolved. However, the United States government opposed the application, citing information that Ghanaian authorities are pursuing his extradition in connection with ongoing investigations at home.
During the proceedings, the judge noted that while claims of a formal extradition request had been raised, no official documentation was presented in court to confirm that such a request had been properly submitted. As a result, the judge ordered that evidence of any extradition filing be produced before a final decision on the bond application can be made.
The court subsequently set February 19 as the deadline for the submission of the required documents. Until that date, Ofori Atta is to remain in ICE detention. The judge emphasized that detention would continue as a precautionary measure until the legal status of the alleged extradition request is clarified.
Ofori Atta has reportedly been in ICE custody since early January after U.S. authorities determined that he no longer held valid immigration status to remain in the country. His case has now been adjourned, with further hearings expected later in the year to address both his immigration status and any extradition related matters.
The situation has attracted significant attention in Ghana, given Ofori Atta’s former role in government and the broader legal questions surrounding his case. The next phase of the proceedings is expected to provide clearer direction on whether he will remain detained, be released on bond, or face extradition proceedings.
