Ghana’s Ex-Finance Minister Faces Possible Return After US Visa Revocation

Ghana’s former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, could be required to return to his home country following new developments related to his immigration status in the United States, Ghanaian authorities have said.

The Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Justice Srem-Sai, confirmed that the Ghanaian government is actively engaged in the matter and is cooperating with law enforcement agencies in both countries.

He made the remarks during an interview with local broadcaster TV3.

According to Srem-Sai, the involvement of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency was triggered by immigration concerns rather than arbitrary action.

He explained that ICE typically intervenes only in cases involving visa or residency violations.

Officials say Mr Ofori-Atta’s US visa was revoked in June 2025, disputing earlier claims that the document had simply expired.

Ghana’s Attorney-General, Dr Dominic Ayine, has since stated that US authorities had instructed the former minister to leave the country by November 29, 2024, an order he allegedly did not comply with.

Dr Ayine added that while an arrest had initially been scheduled for early January 2026, Mr Ofori-Atta was eventually taken into custody on January 6 in the US state of Virginia.

Ghanaian authorities have also confirmed that an extradition request has been submitted in connection with ongoing investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor into the controversial Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) revenue assurance deal.

Officials say the request is part of broader cooperation between Ghanaian and US authorities.
Mr Ofori-Atta’s legal team, however, maintains that efforts are underway to regularise his immigration status. His lawyer, Frank Davies, said a formal petition had been filed in the United States seeking an extension of his client’s stay, though ICE proceeded with detention before the process was concluded.

The former finance minister is currently being held at the Caroline Detention Facility in the United States, where he remains in custody as legal and diplomatic proceedings continue.