Omanghana
Former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has appeared before a U.S. immigration court in Virginia as proceedings over his immigration status continue.
The January 20, 2026 hearing followed his recent detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after authorities revoked his visitor visa, arguing he no longer has lawful status. The case was heard at the Annandale Immigration Court before Judge David Gardey and focused on a bond redetermination and preliminary review. Court records show Mr. Ofori-Atta is being held at the Caroline Detention Center.
He was represented by Christopher Chaisson of Whiteford Taylor & Preston and his long-time immigration lawyer, Kwao Amagashi. At the request of his counsel, the bond and master calendar hearings were closed to the public due to the sensitive nature of the matters discussed. Judge Gardey granted the request and ordered non-parties observing via WebEx to exit before proceedings continued.
The Judge said until his request for a renewed bond hearing is formally considered and approved, former Ghanaian Minister of Finance, Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, will remain in the custody of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He is expected to be held until 1:00 p.m. on Monday, 27 April 2026, when he is scheduled to reappear before Immigration Judge David A. Gardey at the Annandale Immigration Court in Virginia, USA.
Mr Ofori-Atta, who holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Finance Minister under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) tradition in Ghana’s political history, is currently contesting his return to Accra. His legal efforts are widely viewed as an attempt to resist mounting calls for accountability over his stewardship of Ghana’s economy during his tenure in office. The outcome of the upcoming hearing is expected to determine whether he will be granted bond and released from custody or continue to remain detained as his immigration case proceeds through the U.S. legal system.
Source: Omanghana.com
