Ghana: The former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been released from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody following a judicial order. News of his release was contained in a statement issued by his lawyers in Ghana, Justice Kusi-Minkah Premo of Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners.
According to Ghana Web, on April 7, 2026, Ken Ofori-Atta was released from ICE detention pursuant to a judicial order. He has since returned home to be with his family. The statement from his legal representatives emphasized that Mr. Ofori-Atta remains fully committed to due process in the defense of his rights as guaranteed under the Constitution and laws of the United States.
The statement also expressed gratitude, noting that Ofori-Atta and his family remain thankful to God and all those who have offered prayers and support during this period. The situation involving Ofori-Atta's detention was linked to ongoing investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in Ghana.
The OSP has been conducting inquiries into alleged corruption and abuse of office during his tenure as Finance Minister, focusing on the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme and other significant financial decisions. As part of these investigations, the OSP issued directives that restricted his travel while the inquiries were ongoing.
Ken Ofori-Atta later travelled legally to the US, but officials from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement flagged his documents after reviewing international compliance alerts related to the OSP's actions. This review led to a reassessment of his immigration status and resulted in his placement in ICE detention pending a judicial decision.