US Immigration Court Adjourns Case Involving Ghana’s Former Finance Minister Ofori-Atta

A United States immigration court in the state of Virginia has adjourned proceedings involving Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, until 27 April 2026.

The decision was taken on Tuesday following Mr Ofori-Atta’s recent detention by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). American authorities argue that he no longer holds lawful immigration status after the revocation of his visitor visa.

The case was presided over by Immigration Judge David Gardey, who considered issues relating to bond and conducted an initial assessment of the matter. Court filings show that Mr Ofori-Atta is currently being held at the Caroline Detention Centre in Virginia.

He was represented by a team of lawyers, including Christopher Chaisson of Whiteford Taylor & Preston and Kwao Amagashi, identified during proceedings as his long-time immigration counsel.

At the hearing, defence lawyers asked that both the bond review and the master calendar session be closed to the public, arguing that sensitive matters would be discussed. The judge approved the request, ordering that the proceedings be held in private and directing observers connected via Webex to leave before the hearing continued.

The immigration case unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing legal troubles for Mr Ofori-Atta in Ghana. The country’s Office of the Special Prosecutor has declared him a wanted person over alleged corruption and related offences, including claims linked to the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited contract and other procurement transactions.

Ghanaian authorities are seeking his extradition from the United States, and analysts say the outcome of the immigration proceedings could influence whether Mr Ofori-Atta remains in the US or is returned to Ghana to face prosecution. Additional hearings are expected as the case moves forward.