The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has revealed that Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, lost his legal immigration status in the United States after his visa was formally revoked by the US State Department. This contradicts claims that he had overstayed.
The disclosure comes amid public debate following claims by Ofori-Atta’s lawyers that he had been detained over immigration concerns. Those reports raised questions about the circumstances of his stay in the US.
Speaking on Joy News’ Newsfile, Dr Ayine said the visa was cancelled in July 2024. US authorities gave Ofori-Atta a window to leave voluntarily.
“I want Ghanaians to know that he just didn’t overstay his visa. The visa was actually revoked,” Dr Ayine said. “They gave him up to November 29, 2024, to leave the United States. He did not.”
Ofori-Atta, who left Ghana last year on medical grounds according to his legal team, is now subject to extradition proceedings by the Ghanaian government. His lawyers have resisted the request, insisting the allegations are politically motivated.
US authorities later confirmed his detention. He is being held at the Caroline Detention Facility in Virginia and is scheduled to appear in US court on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Ofori-Atta’s Ghana-based lawyers—Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline & Partners—said he has applied to adjust his immigration status and expressed confidence the matter will be resolved.
Dr Ayine added that US authorities initially planned to arrest Ofori-Atta on January 4, 2026, but the operation did not take place. He was eventually taken into custody on January 6, 2026, in Virginia.
The Attorney General emphasised that the case is not a simple immigration matter. He said the visa was revoked deliberately and is linked to ongoing investigations.
“This is not exactly about immigration. His visa is not expired. It expires in February. No, it was revoked. I am telling you this on authority,” he said.
Dr Ayine also said the US decision followed close coordination with Ghanaian officials, particularly regarding an extradition request related to the OSP – SME matter.
“The extradition request that I sent was in respect of the OSP – SME matter,” he said. “I have been working with the Americans diligently on him. And the visa was revoked. And that is how he lost his immigration status in the United States.”
Source: Graphic Online
