Ofori-Atta Bond Hearing Set as US Judge Seeks Extradition Evidence
US federal court awaits formal extradition documents from Ghana before ruling on former minister’s bail.
- Judge demands documented proof of Ghana’s extradition request.
- Ofori-Atta remains in ICE custody over visa revocation.
- INTERPOL withdraws Red Notice cited as “political.”
The bond hearing for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is scheduled to take place today, February 19, 2026, in the United States, with a federal judge insisting on formal proof of any extradition request from Ghana before making a ruling.
During earlier proceedings, Judge David A. Gardey told lawyers that the court could not rely on unverified claims and required documented evidence of an official extradition application. He has directed that the material be submitted before he considers whether Ofori-Atta should be granted bond or released.
The matter follows a closed-door hearing on January 20, when the judge deferred a decision on bail after government attorneys objected, pointing to Ghana’s stated intention to seek his extradition.
Ofori-Atta, who served under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, has been held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since early January. Authorities say his visitor visa was revoked, leaving him without valid immigration status.
His legal team maintains that he has cooperated with officials and is pursuing options to regularise his stay, including filing for an adjustment of status under U.S. immigration law.
Separately, Ghanaian authorities are working to secure his return to face charges at home, a process that depends on the submission of formal extradition documentation now under scrutiny by the court.
In a related development, INTERPOL recently withdrew a Red Notice issued against Ofori-Atta. His lawyers argue the notice was removed on the grounds that it was predominantly political in nature.
