Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been released from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centre, his lawyers have confirmed.
Checks at the Caroline Detention Facility in Virginia confirmed that Mr Ofori-Atta’s name no longer appears on the detainee list.
His legal team, Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners (MPOBB), in a press statement dated Wednesday, April 8, 2026, said Mr Ofori-Atta was released on April 7, 2026, following a judicial order and has since returned home to be with his family.
The statement noted that he remains committed to pursuing due process in defending his rights under the laws and Constitution of the United States. His lawyers expressed gratitude to all those who offered prayers and support during his period of detention.
Mr Ofori-Atta had been in ICE custody since January 2026 over issues relating to his immigration status. His visitor visa had been revoked after he failed to leave the United States by the directed deadline of November 29, 2025.
He first appeared virtually before the Annandale Immigration Court in Virginia in January 2026, wearing a black shirt, spectacles and a nose mask. The hearing, presided over by Judge David Gardey, focused on bond redetermination. His lawyers successfully requested that subsequent proceedings be held behind closed doors.
He was expected to reappear before the court on April 27, 2026.
Despite his release from detention, Mr Ofori-Atta continues to face legal challenges in Ghana. He and five others are facing more than 70 criminal charges linked to corruption investigations, including allegations surrounding a contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) that allegedly caused a financial loss of over GH¢1.4 billion to the state.
The Government of Ghana submitted a formal extradition request to the United States in February 2026, which U.S. authorities have acknowledged receiving.
An INTERPOL Red Notice earlier issued against him in relation to the investigations has since been withdrawn.
Mr Ofori-Atta served as Finance Minister from 2017 to early 2024 under the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. He has been under investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor over several decisions taken during his tenure.
His lawyers have indicated that he is also pursuing adjustment of his immigration status in the United States.
