The Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC, has disclosed that former Minister for Finance, Mr. Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, has opted to engage consular officials only in the presence of his legal representatives, following his detention by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In a statement dated January 10, 2026, and signed by Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Victor Emmanuel Smith, the Embassy confirmed that Mr. Ofori-Atta is currently in ICE custody.
According to the statement, the Embassy took immediate steps to verify the circumstances surrounding the detention after receiving information about the development.
“Upon receiving this information, the Embassy undertook the necessary steps to verify the circumstances surrounding the matter,” the statement said.
After confirming the situation, the Embassy formally contacted the relevant detention facility to request access to Mr. Ofori-Atta in order to offer consular assistance, in line with established diplomatic practice and international protocols governing the treatment of detained foreign nationals.
However, the Embassy said authorities at the facility later informed officials that the former finance minister declined to engage consular officers at that time, insisting on the presence of his lawyers.
“The Embassy was informed by the facility that the detainee declined to engage with consular officials without his lawyers present,” the statement noted.
The Embassy clarified that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s decision was a personal choice and did not constitute a denial of consular access by United States authorities. It added that the option for consular engagement remains open should he decide to exercise it at a later stage.
The statement further assured that the Embassy remains in active contact with the appropriate U.S. authorities and is closely monitoring developments to ensure that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s rights and welfare are fully respected.
“The Embassy of Ghana remains in contact with the appropriate United States authorities and will continue to follow the matter closely to ensure that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s rights are totally respected,” it said.
While the Embassy did not disclose the specific grounds for Mr. Ofori-Atta’s detention, it refrained from commenting on any potential legal proceedings, citing the need to respect due process.
Mr. Ofori-Atta, who served as Ghana’s Minister for Finance for several years, is a prominent public figure and played a central role in major fiscal and economic reforms, including negotiations with international financial institutions during periods of economic difficulty. News of his detention has generated significant public and political interest both in Ghana and among members of the Ghanaian diaspora in the United States.
The Embassy reiterated its commitment to continue engaging relevant U.S. authorities and to provide consular assistance should Mr. Ofori-Atta request support as the situation evolves.
