United States immigration authorities have taken into custody Ghana's former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, who is a wanted fugitive in his home country on corruption allegations.
Detention and Legal Proceedings
Ken Ofori-Atta, aged 66, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Tuesday. The arrest relates to issues concerning the status of his current stay in the United States. According to his legal representatives, the former minister is cooperating fully with the authorities.
His lawyers confirmed the detention and stated that his US legal team is actively engaging with ICE. They expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved quickly. Online records from ICE indicate that Ofori-Atta is currently being held at a detention facility located in the state of Virginia.
Background and Fugitive Status
Ofori-Atta has been in the United States since January of last year. His primary reason for travel was to undergo medical treatment, which included surgery for prostate cancer. During his stay, he applied for an extension of his legal permission to remain in the country.
However, back in Ghana, the situation escalated. In February last year, he was officially declared a fugitive from justice. This declaration was followed by formal corruption charges being filed against him in November. These legal actions in Ghana set the stage for his current complicated immigration status in the US.
Political Legacy and Controversies
Ken Ofori-Atta served as Ghana's finance minister for a significant period from 2017 to 2024. He held the powerful portfolio under the administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo. His tenure was marked by several high-stakes economic decisions.
Key highlights of his time in office include:
- Overseeing controversial tax reforms that sparked public debate.
- Leading critical negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for financial support.
- Managing the country's economy through challenging global periods.
The detention of such a high-profile political figure adds a new international dimension to the corruption case, drawing attention from across West Africa and beyond. The outcome of his immigration case in the US is now closely watched, as it could influence the pursuit of justice in Ghana.
