Ghana Embassy in Washington speaks on Ken Ofori-Atta’s detention in US

The Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC, has confirmed that former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta is currently in the custody of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In a press release issued on Friday, January 10, 2026, and signed by Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, the Embassy stated that it received information about Ofori-Atta’s detention and immediately took steps to verify the circumstances.

Following confirmation, the Embassy formally contacted the detention facility to request access to Ofori-Atta to provide consular assistance in accordance with diplomatic and international protocols. However, officials at the facility informed the Embassy that Ofori-Atta declined to engage with consular officers at the time, stating that he would only do so in the presence of his lawyers.

“Upon receiving this information, the Embassy undertook the necessary steps to verify the circumstances surrounding the matter. Following confirmation, the Embassy formally contacted the relevant detention facility to request access to Ofori-Atta to provide consular assistance in line with established diplomatic and international protocols,” the statement said.

The Embassy also confirmed that it remains in contact with the appropriate United States authorities and will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that Ofori-Atta’s rights are fully respected.

Ken Ofori-Atta has been charged with corruption and corruption-related offences in Ghana over his alleged role in the SML scandal, with the Government of Ghana requesting his extradition from the United States…CONTINUE MORE READING>>>