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Former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, is expected to appear before a United States court today, Tuesday, January 20, 2026, over alleged immigration violations that could lead to possible extradition proceedings to Ghana.
According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Mr Ofori-Atta overstayed his visitor visa and has consequently lost his legal immigration status in the United States. A determination on whether he will be extradited to Ghana may follow the court hearing.
However, Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has rejected suggestions that the matter is a routine visa overstay. He insists that Mr Ofori-Atta’s visa was formally revoked by U.S. authorities.
Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, January 10, Dr Ayine explained that although Mr Ofori-Atta was initially granted permission to remain in the United States until November 29, 2025, he failed to leave within the stipulated period.
Dr Ayine stressed that the revocation of the visa was deliberate and tied to ongoing investigations, rather than an administrative immigration lapse.
“This is not exactly about immigration. His visa has not expired. It expires in February. No, it was revoked. I am telling you this on authority,” he stated.
According to the Attorney-General, Ghana’s request for Mr Ofori-Atta’s extradition is linked to investigations being carried out by the Office of the Special Prosecutor concerning the SML matter.
“I have been working with the Americans diligently on him. And the visa was revoked.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 MASLOC Chief Executive Officer, Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, is also scheduled to appear before a U.S. court on January 21, 2026, for proceedings to determine whether she will be extradited to Ghana.
