A US-based immigration lawyer Jonelle Ocloo has indicated that former Ghanaian Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, could still be allowed to remain in the United States despite his recent detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Ken Ofori-Atta’s detention has raised questions about his legal status in the US. However, his legal team has confirmed that he is fully cooperating with ICE while efforts are underway to resolve the matter. The former minister currently has a pending petition for adjustment of status, a legal process that allows an individual to remain in the US beyond the duration of an initial visa while seeking permanent residency.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on January 12, 2026, Jonelle Ocloo explained that although arrests by ICE often result in removal proceedings, there are rare exceptions.
“Based on everything else you are reading and hearing, Ken Ofori-Atta could be part of the 0.6% who may actually be arrested and get to stay in the US,” she said.
According to Ocloo, Otori-Atta has an immigration hearing scheduled for next week, during which his lawyers could pursue several legal options to secure his release.
“Given the legal team that Mr Ofori-Atta has, it is quite likely that they could file a number of things.
For example, they could file a writ of habeas corpus with the US federal courts, basically stating that their client is being unjustly held,” she noted. ICE medically cleared Ofori-Atta for detention – Ghana’s US Ambassador
She added that even before the immigration hearing, his lawyers could apply for his release on bond, provided they can convince the authorities authorities that he does not pose a flight risk.
Ocloo further suggested that the reported involvement of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI) points to a case that may go beyond a routine visa overstay.
Meanwhile, Ofori-Atta’s legal team has reiterated that he is cooperating fully with US authorities and is seeking a resolution that would allow him to remain in the country while his adjustment of status application is being considered.
