ICE describes former Ghana Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as “illegal alien” over visa overstay

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has described Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, as an “illegal alien” who overstayed his permitted period of admission into the United States, a violation that could lead to deportation.

The clarification was provided by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson in written correspondence with TV3 journalist Joseph Ackah-Blay, who contacted the agency to seek clarity on the circumstances surrounding Mr Ofori-Atta’s arrest.

ICE clarifies basis of detention

In his inquiry, the journalist asked whether Immigration and Customs Enforcement was holding a Ghanaian national named Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, the legal basis for his detention, whether any judicial process had commenced, and whether Ghana’s pending extradition request influenced the decision to detain him.

Responding generally to the questions, Immigration and Customs Enforcement stated that Mr Ofori-Atta entered the United States on May 28, 2025, on a visitor’s visa which expired on November 27, 2025.

“Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta is an illegal alien from Ghana that is facing corruption and corruption-related charges in his home country,” the Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson said.

“He entered the United States on May 28, 2025, on a visitor’s visa with an expiration date of Nov. 27, 2025. Ofori-Atta overstayed his permitted admission.”

Due process underway

ICE confirmed that the former finance minister has been issued a Notice to Appear and will remain in custody while immigration proceedings continue.

“He has been issued a notice to appear and will remain in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. He will be given due process before a Justice Department immigration judge,” the agency stated.

ICE further emphasised that visa overstays constitute a breach of US immigration law and can result in removal.

“The Trump administration has been abundantly clear: aliens must respect our laws or face the consequences. Overstaying a visa is an immigration law violation that can result in deportation,” the statement added.

Conflicting reports addressed

Mr Ofori-Atta’s arrest has generated widespread public speculation, with some reports suggesting his visa had been revoked, while others linked the detention to a formal extradition request by the Government of Ghana.

ICE, however, did not confirm that Ghana’s extradition request influenced the detention decision, focusing instead on the immigration violation related to his visa status.

Background

Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, who served as Ghana’s Finance Minister for nearly eight years, is facing multiple corruption-related charges linked to his tenure in office. He has yet to appear before a Ghanaian court, prompting authorities to formally request his extradition from the United States.

Immigration proceedings in the US are expected to continue alongside diplomatic and legal engagements between both countries.

Source: 3news.com

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