The hearing in the immigration case involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been adjourned to April 27, 2026.
Mr. Ofori-Atta appeared before a United States immigration court in Virginia on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, as proceedings continued over his immigration status. He was seen wearing a dark-coloured shirt and a face mask during the session.
The hearing followed his detention earlier this month by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). US authorities contend that the former finance minister no longer has lawful status to remain in the country following the revocation of his visitor visa. The matter was heard at the Annandale Immigration Court before Immigration Judge David Gardey. Proceedings focused on a bond redetermination and a preliminary review of the case. Court records indicate that Mr. Ofori-Atta is currently being held at the Caroline Detention Center.
He was represented by a legal team that included Christopher Chaisson of Whiteford Taylor & Preston and Kwao Amagashi, described in court as his long-time immigration lawyer. During the hearing, counsel requested that both the bond hearing and the related master calendar hearing be closed to the public, citing the sensitive nature of the matters expected to be raised. Judge Gardey granted the request, ordering the proceedings to be held in private and directing non-parties observing via Webex to exit the session before the hearing continued.
Mr. Ofori-Atta is facing multiple criminal charges in Ghana and has been declared wanted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) over alleged corruption and corruption-related offences. These include matters arising from the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited contract and other procurement issues.
As Ghana pursues his extradition from the United States, the outcome of the immigration proceedings is expected to play a key role in determining whether Mr. Ofori-Atta remains in the US or is returned to Ghana to face trial. Further hearings are anticipated as the case continues.
