The immigration case involving Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been adjourned to April 27, 2026, as proceedings over his stay in the United States continue.
Mr. Ofori-Atta appeared before a U.S. immigration court in Virginia on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, dressed in a dark shirt and wearing a face mask.
The appearance follows his detention by officers of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over questions surrounding his legal status.
U.S. authorities maintain that his right to remain in the country lapsed after his visitor visa was revoked.
The case was heard at the Annandale Immigration Court before Immigration Judge David Gardey and focused on a bond review and a preliminary assessment of the matter. Court records indicate that Mr. Ofori-Atta is being held at the Caroline Detention Center while the proceedings continue.
He is being represented by a legal team that includes Christopher Chaisson of Whiteford Taylor & Preston, alongside his long-time immigration counsel, Kwao Amagashi.
During the hearing, his lawyers requested that both the bond proceedings and the master calendar hearing be held behind closed doors, citing the sensitive nature of the issues likely to be discussed.
Judge Gardey granted the request, instructing members of the public observing online via Webex to exit before the hearing continued in private.
Beyond the U.S. immigration matter, Mr. Ofori-Atta is also facing legal proceedings in Ghana. The Office of the Special Prosecutor has declared him wanted over alleged corruption and related offences, including issues linked to the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited contract and other procurement dealings.
Ghanaian authorities are seeking his extradition, and the outcome of the U.S. immigration case is expected to play a key role in determining whether he will remain in the United States or be returned to Ghana to face charges.
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