Ghana Embassy Confirms US Immigration Detains Former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori‑Atta

Washington, DC — The Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC, has confirmed that former Ghanaian Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori‑Atta has been taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In a brief statement signed by Ambassador Victor Emmanuel Smith, the embassy said it verified the report and contacted the detention facility to request consular access to Mr. Ofori‑Atta in accordance with diplomatic and international protocols. The facility informed embassy officials that the detainee declined to engage with consular staff at that time without his lawyers present.

“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,” the statement said.

The embassy did not provide further details on the reasons for the detention or whether any charges had been filed. It did not indicate when the detention occurred. At the time of publication, no public statement had been released by Mr. Ofori‑Atta or his legal representatives.

ICE is the U.S. agency responsible for enforcing federal immigration laws. The embassy’s statement did not specify the next steps but said it would continue to monitor developments and liaise with U.S. authorities.