Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta is an illegal alien from Ghana – US ICE on Ofori-Atta

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement has described Ghana’s former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, as an “illegal alien” who could face extradition in the coming days.

According to a TV3 report dated January 15, 2026, an ICE spokesperson disclosed details about Ofori-Atta’s arrest, stating that he overstayed his authorised period of stay in the United States.

“Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta is an illegal alien from Ghana who is facing corruption and corruption-related charges in his home country. He entered the United States on May 28, 2025, on a visitor’s visa with an expiration date of November 27, 2025. Ofori-Atta overstayed his permitted admission,” the spokesperson said.

Ken Ofori-Atta arrested and detained in the US

The ICE spokesperson said the former finance minister is likely to be deported to Ghana for overstaying his visa.

He added that Ofori-Atta has gone through the required legal processes and will be given due process before an immigration judge from the Justice Department.

“He has been issued a notice to appear and will remain in ICE custody. He will be given due process before a Justice Department immigration judge,” the spokesperson stated.

“The Trump administration has been abundantly clear: aliens must respect our laws or face the consequences. Overstaying a visa is an immigration law violation that can result in deportation,” he added.

Ofori-Atta is a suspect in several criminal investigations by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor, which has declared him wanted and placed him on an Interpol Red Notice.

The cases cited by the OSP include:

Contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority to improve revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and the minerals and metals value chain.

Termination of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology for the Distribution, Loss Reduction, and Associated Network Improvement Project.

Procurement of contractors, materials, and payments linked to the National Cathedral project.

Activities and payments connected to a contract awarded by the Ministry of Health to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the supply, servicing, and maintenance of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.

Payments and use of funds from the Ghana Revenue Authority’s Tax Refund Account…CONTINUE MORE READING>>>