New york: Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is set to remain in the custody of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the deferment of his bond application. A new court hearing has been scheduled for February 19, 2026.
According to Ghana Web, who is based in the UK, court proceedings held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, did not result in a final determination on Ofori-Atta's bond request. He stated that the court chose to defer the application, which means Ofori-Atta will remain in ICE detention until the bond hearing resumes on the scheduled date.
Woode explained that although the bond hearing has been adjourned to February 19, 2026, the substantive case itself is not expected to be heard until April 27, 2026. Following the court's decision, Ofori-Atta will remain in ICE custody in the interim period, pending the outcome of the bond hearing.
He further noted that unless his bond application is granted on February 19, Ofori-Atta will continue to be detained, despite the main case being scheduled for a later date. The broadcaster emphasized this point, stating, "However, the main case will be heard on 27th April 2026. Ken Ofori-Atta continues to be in ICE detention until his bond application is heard again on 19th February."
The update follows Ofori-Atta's appearance before a United States immigration court on January 20, 2026, for a hearing, during which he was seen wearing standard detainee's attire-a black shirt. Meanwhile, a US-based immigration lawyer, Jonelle Ocloo, has explained that the outfit worn by the former finance minister was a standard detainee's attire.