The Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC, has assured that the rights of Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, will be fully respected following his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In a statement issued on Saturday 10, 2026, Ambassador Victor Emmanuel Smith confirmed that the Embassy had received information about Mr. Ofori-Atta’s detention and immediately took steps to verify the circumstances. The Embassy subsequently contacted the detention facility to request access to the former minister and provide consular assistance in line with diplomatic and international protocols.
Officials at the facility informed the Embassy that Mr. Ofori-Atta had declined engagement with consular officers without his lawyers present. The Embassy emphasised that it remains in close contact with the appropriate U.S. authorities and will continue monitoring the situation to ensure that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s rights are upheld.
Speaking about the arrest earlier, investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni described the operation as targeted. He reported that Mr. Ofori-Atta was taken into custody on January 6 at the Westlight building, a high-end residential complex in Northwest Washington, D.C., where he reportedly resides with his family.
The Embassy reiterated that its priority is the welfare and legal rights of Ghanaian citizens abroad and will continue to provide all necessary consular support to Mr. Ofori-Atta during his detention.
