The former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been released from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody following a judicial order.

News of his release was contained in a statement issued by his lawyers in Ghana, Justice Kusi-Minkah Premo of Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners, on April 8, 2026.

“On April 7, 2026, Ken Ofori-Atta was released from ICE detention pursuant to a judicial order. He is home with his family.

Ghana's ex-finance minister released from US ICE detention center

“Mr. Ofori-Atta remains fully committed to due process in the defense of his rights as guaranteed under the Constitution and laws of the United States,” the statement said.

His lawyers further noted that Ofori-Atta and his family “remain thankful to God and all those who have offered prayers and support during this period.”

The US immigration situation involving Ofori-Atta is linked to ongoing investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

The OSP launched inquiries into alleged corruption and abuse of office during his tenure as Finance Minister, with particular focus on the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme and other key financial decisions.

As part of the process, the OSP is reported to have issued directives restricting his travel while investigations were ongoing.

Although Ken Ofori-Atta later travelled legally to the US, officials from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement flagged his documents after cross-checking international compliance alerts connected to the OSP’s actions.

This triggered a review of his immigration status and led to his placement in ICE detention pending a judicial decision.

See the full statement below:



JKB/MA

Here's what some Ghanaians are saying about anti-LGBTQ+ bill passage