Ofori-Atta Stays in ICE Custody as Court Adjourns Case

ICE Detention Case: Ken Ofori-Atta’s U.S. Court Hearing Adjourned to April 27

January 21,2026

The court hearing involving former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, who is currently in detention by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), has been adjourned to April 27, 2026.

Sources close to the proceedings in the United States confirmed that the adjournment followed an initial court appearance on Monday, January 20, 2026, where issues relating to the revocation of Ofori-Atta’s U.S. visa were addressed.

The hearing, which had been scheduled as a virtual session, attracted significant public interest, with many Ghanaians logging in via the publicly circulated link. However, the session reportedly encountered technical challenges due to the high number of participants.

As a result, lawyers representing Mr Ofori-Atta requested that the court grant a private hearing, a request that was subsequently approved by the presiding judge.

Mr Ofori-Atta was reportedly present in court wearing a dark shirt and a face mask.

Ken Ofori-Atta was arrested and detained by ICE on January 7, 2026, following immigration issues related to his stay in the United States.

In a public notice issued the same day, his legal team Minka-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners explained that the former Finance Minister has a pending petition for adjustment of status, which under U.S. law allows an individual to remain legally in the country beyond the validity period of their visa.

The lawyers assured the public that Mr Ofori-Atta is fully cooperating with ICE and expressed optimism that the matter would be resolved expeditiously.

However, officials from Ghana’s Attorney-General’s Department have since disclosed that Mr Ofori-Atta’s U.S. visa was revoked in June 2025, contrary to earlier claims that it had merely expired.

Speaking to the media monitored by vistanews, Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem Sai stated that ICE typically acts only in cases involving visa violations, confirming that the visa revocation formed the basis of the arrest.

Under U.S. immigration law, visas may be revoked if a holder becomes ineligible due to violations, fraud, or other grounds of inadmissibility.

The adjourned hearing in April is expected to determine whether Ken Ofori-Atta will be allowed to remain in the United States or be deported.

Separately, the former Finance Minister is reportedly wanted by Ghana’s Attorney-General and the Office of the Special Prosecutor in relation to investigations into the SML deal, the National Cathedral project, and other matters.

Mr Ofori-Atta is also said to be in the United States seeking medical treatment for a long-standing health condition.

The case continues to attract intense public and political interest as developments unfold.