Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is scheduled to appear before a United States court on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in connection with alleged immigration violations that could pave the way for his possible extradition to Ghana.
The case follows confirmation from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that Mr Ofori-Atta has lost his legal status to remain in the United States. ICE maintains that he overstayed the period granted under his visitor visa, a development that has now triggered legal proceedings.
However, Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has pushed back against claims that the matter is a routine visa overstay. According to him, U.S. authorities formally revoked Mr Ofori-Atta’s visa, a move he described as deliberate and tied to ongoing investigations.
Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, January 10, Dr Ayine explained that although Mr Ofori-Atta was initially permitted to remain in the U.S. until November 29, 2025, he failed to depart within the approved period.
“This is not simply an immigration issue. His visa did not expire — it was revoked. I am stating this on authority,” Dr Ayine said, rejecting suggestions that the matter was administrative.
The Attorney-General further disclosed that the visa revocation is linked to investigations being conducted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, particularly concerning the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) case. He noted that Ghana’s extradition request is part of ongoing cooperation with U.S. authorities.
“I have been working closely with the Americans on this matter. The visa was revoked, and that is why he lost his immigration status in the United States,” Dr Ayine added.
In a related development, former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) CEO, Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, is also expected to appear before a U.S. court on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, for proceedings that will determine whether she will be extradited to Ghana.
Both cases are being closely watched as Ghana intensifies efforts to pursue individuals facing investigations outside the country.
