The Embassy of Ghana in Washington DC has confirmed the arrest of former Minister of Finance, Kenneth Ofori-Atta, by the Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) in the United States.
It said in a press release that it immediately took the necessary steps to verify the circumstances surrounding the matter.
But it said it contacted the relevant detention facility to request access to Mr Ofori-Atta “in order to provide consular assistance in line with established diplomatic and international protocols”.
“The Embassy was informed by the facility that the detainee declined to engage with consular officials at that time without his lawyers present,” the press release signed by Ambassador Victor Smith said.
It assured that it will remain in contact with appropriate authorities and “will continue to follow the matter closely to ensure that Mr Ofori-Atta’s rights are totally respected”.
The former Finance Minister had been put on Interpol Red Notice with an extradition request filed with US authorities.
He was arrested by ICE officials on Tuesday, January 6 in relation to the period of validity of his US visa.
Mr Ofori-Atta was sent to the Caroline Detention Centre, a facility which holds up to about 336 inmates.