Ghana’s former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been detained by US authorities, his lawyer confirmed late Wednesday.
Ofori-Atta, who was in the United States for medical treatment, faces corruption allegations in Ghana. He was declared a fugitive in February last year and formally charged in November 2025.
According to his lawyer, the detention relates to the status of his stay in the US, and he expects the matter to be resolved promptly.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) records indicate that Ofori-Atta is currently held at a facility in Virginia.
Ofori-Atta, 66, served as Ghana’s finance minister from 2017 to 2024 under former President Nana Akufo-Addo. His tenure was marked by controversial tax reforms and high-profile negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The case has drawn significant attention in both Ghana and the United States, as authorities assess legal and diplomatic steps moving forward.
