Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been released from the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after a prolonged review of his immigration status in the United States.
According to information monitored by ShineMeGh.com, sources at the Caroline Detention Facility confirmed that Mr Ofori-Atta’s name no longer appears on the facility’s detention list—an indication that he has been released. However, officials have not disclosed further details regarding the terms of his release.
Mr Ofori-Atta, who served under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo from 2017 until early 2024, had been in U.S. custody since January 2026.
His legal representatives from Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners (MPOBB) clarified that his detention was purely immigration-related, stressing that it was not connected to any criminal charges in the United States.
Despite his release, the former minister continues to face significant legal challenges back in Ghana. He is among several individuals facing more than 70 criminal charges tied to alleged corruption.
Central to the case is a controversial agreement involving Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML), which authorities claim resulted in financial losses to the state exceeding GH¢1.4 billion.
The Government of Ghana formally submitted an extradition request to U.S. authorities in February 2026. The request has been acknowledged, and Mr Ofori-Atta is expected to appear before the Annandale Immigration Court in Virginia on April 27.
Earlier proceedings in his case had been postponed, while his visitor visa—previously revoked—expired in February 2026. Court records also indicate that he had been instructed to leave the United States by November 29, 2025, but failed to comply, which led to his detention.
During earlier virtual hearings, Mr Ofori-Atta appeared from the detention facility. His legal team successfully argued for portions of the proceedings, including bond and master calendar hearings, to be held privately due to the sensitive nature of the case.
In Ghana, the case is being handled by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, led by Kissi Agyebeng.
In June 2025, the office initiated steps to secure an INTERPOL Red Notice after Mr Ofori-Atta reportedly failed to honour multiple invitations for questioning. However, the notice has since been withdrawn, and his name is no longer listed in INTERPOL’s database.
While his release from U.S. detention marks a temporary development in the case, Mr Ofori-Atta remains under intense legal scrutiny, with both corruption allegations and extradition proceedings still active.
Observers say the coming weeks—particularly his scheduled court appearance in the United States—will be crucial in determining the next phase of the high-profile case.
Story by: Philip Kendriz Elikem
