Ken Ofori-Atta Detained in US Amid Extradition Proceedings
By: Isaac Boamah Darko
Former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is being held at the Caroline Detention Facility in Virginia, USA, after being detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on January 6, 2026. The detention is related to his immigration status, with his lawyers stating that he has a pending petition for adjustment of status.
Immigration Status and Extradition
Ofori-Atta’s legal team confirms that he is cooperating with ICE and expects the issue to be resolved expeditiously. However, Ghana’s government had formally submitted an extradition request to the US Department of Justice on December 18, 2025, seeking his return to face corruption-related charges.
Corruption Allegations
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has charged Ofori-Atta with 78 counts of corruption and corruption-related offenses, including allegations connected to the SML/GRA revenue assurance contract and the National Cathedral project. Other key investigations include.
- Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Assurance: Examining the contractual relationship between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA)
- Electricity Company Contract Termination: Investigating the abrupt cancellation of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC)
- National Cathedral Project: Reviewing procurement procedures and financial transactions related to the project
- Ambulance Procurement Scandal: Scrutinizing a Ministry of Health deal with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited
- GRA Tax P-Fund Management: Investigating the handling and disbursement of funds from the GRA’s Tax P-Fund Account
Medical Treatment and Fugitive Status
Ofori-Atta’s representatives maintain that he is in the US for medical treatment for prostate cancer and has been physically unable to travel. However, the OSP declared him a fugitive from justice in June 2025, after he failed to return to Ghana for questioning.