By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
Ghana’s longest-serving Finance Minister from the NPP tradition, Ken Ofori-Atta, remains in detention in the United States after his bail application was reportedly denied last week.
The former minister, who is simultaneously facing efforts by the Trump administration to deport him for allegedly violating US immigration laws and an extradition request from Ghana, is currently held at the Caroline Detention Facility in Virginia. Checks on the official US Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS) on 22 February 2026 confirmed that he remains in ICE custody.
At his first court appearance on 20 January 2026, Ofori-Atta’s lawyers requested bail so he could attend immigration proceedings from his residence in Washington, DC. The request was denied by Judge David Gardey of the Annandale Court, who scheduled a ruling for 19 February 2026 and adjourned the main deportation hearing to 27 April 2026 at 1:00 pm. The judge also instructed US authorities to provide documentation supporting Ghana’s reported extradition request.
During a subsequent hearing last week, Ofori Atta’s legal team argued that he should be granted bail to access proper medical care. Sources say the court refused, citing adequate medical facilities at the detention center.The former Finance Minister is reportedly seeking to avoid answering charges brought by Ghanaian authorities, including the Office of the Special Prosecutor, which has filed 28 counts of alleged criminal conduct against him in Ghana’s High Court.
Thirteen counts have also been filed against his aide, Ernest Darko Akore, who is said to have fled the country with him. Five other co-accused have pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.
While Ghana seeks his extradition over alleged corruption related offenses during his tenure as Finance Minister, US authorities are pursuing his deportation for overstaying his permitted admission and violating US immigration laws.Ofori-Atta’s legal representation in the United States includes former US Attorney General and Missouri Senator John Ashcroft, his law and lobbying firm, and Enayatullah Qasimi, a former Afghan Transport Minister who has previously faced corruption-related allegations, among other attorneys. US sources indicate that his legal team is expected to file for a review of the court’s decision.
The case continues to attract significant attention both in Ghana and internationally, as the former Finance Minister navigates complex legal battles over alleged criminal conduct and immigration violations.
