Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been released from custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following a judicial order, his legal representatives have confirmed.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on April 8, 2026, by his solicitor, Justice Kusi-Minkah Premo of Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline & Partners.
According to the statement, Mr Ofori-Atta “was released from ICE detention pursuant to judicial order” and has since reunited with his family in the United States. His legal team further indicated that he remains committed to addressing all matters through appropriate legal processes.
“He remains fully committed to use due process in defence of his rights as guaranteed under the constitution and laws of the United States,” Mr Premo noted.
Mr Ofori-Atta’s detention in the United States is linked to ongoing investigations by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
The OSP has been probing allegations of corruption and abuse of office against the former minister, particularly in relation to the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme and certain financial decisions taken during his tenure in office.
As part of its inquiries, the OSP is said to have issued directives limiting his travel while investigations were underway. Although Mr Ofori-Atta subsequently travelled to the United States through legal means, immigration authorities reportedly flagged his documentation following checks against international compliance alerts connected to the OSP’s processes.
This triggered a review of his immigration status and led to his placement in ICE custody pending a judicial decision.
Sources familiar with the matter have clarified that the situation stemmed from administrative concerns arising from the OSP’s notices, rather than any criminal charges under U.S. law.
In their statement, the former minister’s legal team expressed gratitude for the support received during the period, stating that the family “remains thankful to God and all those who have offered prayers and support during this period.”
