Legal proceedings have begun in the United States to challenge the detention of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta following his arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, commonly known as ICE.
The development was confirmed by a member of Ofori-Atta’s legal team, Frank Davies, during an interview on Joy Prime on January 10, 2026.
According to Davies, Ofori-Atta is currently in ICE custody. He said lawyers acting on behalf of the former minister in Ghana are working closely with attorneys in the United States to contest the legality of the detention.
Davies stated that once a client is taken into custody, it is standard legal practice to scrutinise the process and the basis for that detention. He said the legal team has taken steps to ensure that all procedures surrounding Ofori-Atta’s custody are examined by the court.
He disclosed that a formal legal process has already been filed in a U.S. court to challenge the detention. According to him, the matter is expected to be heard later in January 2026.
The detention follows confirmation from Ghana’s ambassador to the United States that Ofori-Atta had been medically cleared by ICE prior to being held in custody. However, details surrounding the grounds for the detention have not been publicly disclosed by U.S. authorities.
As of the time of reporting, ICE has not issued a public statement outlining the specific reasons for Ofori-Atta’s detention. It is also unclear whether immigration, residency, or other administrative matters form the basis of the action.
The legal challenge now before the U.S. courts is expected to determine whether Ofori-Atta’s continued detention is lawful. Until then, he remains in ICE custody. All matters remain subject to judicial determination, and no finding has been made against him.