Ken Ofori-Atta Could face Deportation as US Immigration Confirms he Overstayed Visa

Former Financial Minister Ken Ofori-Atta

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has identified Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, as an undocumented immigrant who overstayed his authorised period of stay in the country.

According to a report by 3News, an ICE spokesperson explained that Ofori-Atta entered the United States on May 28, 2025, using a visitor’s visa that expired on November 27, 2025. However, he failed to depart after the expiration date, rendering his stay unlawful.

“Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta is an illegal alien from Ghana who is facing corruption and corruption-related charges in his home country. He entered the United States on May 28, 2025, on a visitor’s visa with an expiration date of November 27, 2025. Ofori-Atta overstayed his permitted admission,” the spokesperson stated.

ICE further emphasised that overstaying a visa constitutes a violation of US immigration law and may lead to deportation. The agency added that Ofori-Atta will remain in custody while due legal processes are carried out.

Ofori-Atta was detained by ICE on January 7, with his legal team attributing the action to issues surrounding the legality of his continued stay in the US.

Following news of his detention, Ofori-Atta reportedly declined to meet Ghana’s consular officials without his lawyers present, according to a statement posted by the Ghanaian embassy on Facebook. Despite this, the ambassador assured that the embassy would take steps to ensure his rights are fully respected.