The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the US says former Finance Minister overstayed his visa and so an “illegal alien” in the country.
It also confirmed that Mr Ofori-Atta is facing corruption and corruption-related charges in Ghana and will face the law and the consequences.
This follows an inquiry sent through an email by Media General’s Joseph Ackah-Blay, who wanted to find out whether in indeed one Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta is in detention as reported.
Reports were rife earlier this month that the former Finance Minister, who travelled to the US for medical care, had been detained at the Caroline Detention Center.
In its response, the ICE stated: “Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta is an illegal alien from Ghana that 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 Nov. 27, 2025. Ofori-Atta overstayed his permitted admission.”
It added: “He has been issued a notice to appear and will remain in ICE custody. He will be given due process before a Justice Department immigration judge.”
The ICE further stressed that the “Trump administration has been abundantly clear: aliens must respect our laws or face the consequences. Overstaying a visa is an immigration law violation that can result in deportation”.