Ghana’s ex-finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta, 66, is currently in US immigration custody at a Virginia detention facility, according to his legal representatives. The detention follows his application to extend a medical stay that began in January 2025 for prostate cancer treatment.
Ofori-Atta, who served as Ghana’s finance minister from 2017 to 2024 under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, faces corruption charges in Accra related to his tenure. Ghanaian authorities declared him a fugitive in February 2025 and formally charged him in November 2025. His lawyers emphasize he is cooperating with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and expect "swift resolution" of the immigration matter.
The case unfolds amid heightened US visa restrictions affecting multiple African nations. Analysts note this could influence ongoing economic diplomacy efforts, particularly as Ghana navigates post-IMF program stability under its new government.
