Ken Ofori-Atta to Appear in U.S. Court Over Alleged Visa Violation

Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is set to appear before a U.S. court on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, over allegations of immigration violations.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) claims that Ofori-Atta overstayed his visitor visa, resulting in the loss of his legal status in the country. Court proceedings may determine whether he could be extradited to Ghana.

However, Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has rejected the suggestion that this is a routine visa overstay. He stated that Ofori-Atta’s visa was formally revoked by U.S. authorities.

Dr. Ayine explained that U.S. authorities had initially given Ofori-Atta until November 29, 2025, to leave the country, but he did not comply. The visa revocation, he emphasized, was deliberate and linked to ongoing investigations, not a standard immigration matter.

“This is not exactly about immigration. His visa has not expired; it was revoked. I am telling you this on authority,” Dr. Ayine said.

The Attorney-General further noted that Ghana’s extradition request is tied to investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor regarding the SML case.

In related news, former CEO of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre, Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, is scheduled to appear before a U.S. court on January 21, 2026, to determine her potential extradition to Ghana.