Former Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has reportedly been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
A public notice issued by his lawyer, Justice Kusi-Minkah Premo Esq., states that the arrest concerns Ken Ofori-Atta’s immigration status in the United States.
His legal team confirms that they are in active communication with ICE and maintains that he is a law-abiding individual who is fully cooperating with the authorities.
According to the statement, Ofori-Atta has a pending petition for adjustment of status. Under U.S. immigration law, such a petition typically allows an individual to remain legally in the country even after the expiration of their initial visa. His lawyers say they expect the issue to be resolved “expeditiously.”
Ofori-Atta has been on an Interpol Red Notice since June 2025, after the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) declared him a “fugitive from justice.”
He faces 78 corruption-related charges, including allegations connected to the SML/GRA revenue assurance contract and the National Cathedral project.
On December 18, 2025, Ghana formally submitted an extradition request to the U.S. Department of Justice seeking his return.
However, his representatives maintain that he is in the United States for medical treatment for prostate cancer and has been physically unable to travel.
OSP investigating Ken Ofori-Atta over five key issues
The Special Prosecutor’s office is probing Ofori-Atta in connection with five major investigations:
- 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 controversial National Cathedral project.
- Ambulance Procurement Scandal: Scrutinising a Ministry of Health deal with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase and maintenance of 307 ambulances.
- GRA Tax P-Fund Management: Investigating the handling and disbursement of funds from the GRA’s Tax P-Fund Account.
