A US judge has granted a private hearing for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta following a request from his lawyers.
The session, initially open online, drew many Ghanaians who joined via the virtual link, though technical issues briefly interrupted the proceedings.
Mr Ofori-Atta appeared in a dark blue shirt and a face mask. His legal team, Menka-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners, confirmed that the private session was requested and approved by the court.
On January 7, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained Mr Ofori-Atta.
His lawyers said he has a pending petition for adjustment of status, which allows someone to remain legally in the US beyond their visa’s original validity. They stressed that Mr Ofori-Atta is cooperating fully with authorities to resolve the matter.
In Ghana, the Attorney-General Dr Dominic Ayine and Deputy Justice Srem Sai clarified that Mr Ofori-Atta’s US visa was revoked in June 2025, not simply expired as previously reported.
Justice Sai explained that ICE action followed the revocation, noting that visa holders can lose eligibility if they violate status requirements or fall under grounds of inadmissibility.
Mr Ofori-Atta is wanted in Ghana over issues including the SML Deal and the National Cathedral project.
