Ghana’s Former Finance Minister Detained In US As Legal Pressure Closes In

Ghana’s Former Finance Minister Detained In The US As Pressure Mounts

The long running political drama surrounding Ghana’s former finance minister took a sharp new turn this week after US immigration authorities detained Ken Ofori-Atta, a man now at the centre of one of the country’s most closely watched corruption cases.

Ofori-Atta, 66, has been living in the United States since early last year, where he travelled for medical treatment including prostate cancer surgery. But on Tuesday, his stay hit a major obstacle when officers from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement took him into custody over questions related to his immigration status.

According to his legal team, the former minister had applied to extend his stay in the US. Lawyers insist he is cooperating fully and say they expect the matter to be resolved quickly.

From Powerful Minister To Wanted Man

Back home in Ghana, Ofori-Atta’s name carries weight and controversy in equal measure. He served as finance minister from 2017 to 2024 under former president Nana Akufo-Addo, becoming one of the most influential figures in shaping Ghana’s economic policy during a turbulent period.

His tenure coincided with painful tax reforms, rising public debt and tense negotiations with the International Monetary Fund. While supporters credit him with steering Ghana through global economic shocks, critics argue his policies deepened inequality and placed an unfair burden on ordinary citizens.

In February last year, Ghanaian authorities declared him a fugitive. By November, formal corruption charges followed, significantly raising the stakes.

Public Reaction Splits Along Familiar Lines

News of his detention spread quickly across Ghanaian social media, where reactions have been sharply divided. Some users welcomed the development, saying it signalled that powerful figures could no longer avoid accountability by staying abroad. Others expressed concern over his health and questioned whether due process was being respected.

In Accra, political analysts say the case reflects a broader shift in public mood. After years of economic strain, many Ghanaians are increasingly impatient with corruption allegations involving senior officials, regardless of their past standing.

What Happens Next

US immigration records show Ofori-Atta is being held at a facility in Virginia while discussions with authorities continue. What remains unclear is whether his detention could eventually intersect with Ghana’s legal efforts to bring him back home.

For now, the episode underscores how political power, health, and the long arm of international law have collided in a case that continues to grip Ghana’s public imagination.

{Source:EWN}

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