ICE Confirms Ken Ofori-Atta Overstayed Visa

ICE Confirms Ken Ofori-Atta Overstayed Visa, Describes Former Finance Minister as “Illegal Alien”

January 16, 2026

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed that Ghana’s former Minister of Finance, Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, overstayed his visa and is currently considered an “illegal alien” under U.S. immigration law.

According to ICE, Mr. Ofori-Atta entered the United States on May 28, 2025, using a visitor’s visa that expired on November 27, 2025. The agency stated that he failed to depart the country upon expiration of his permitted stay, thereby violating U.S. immigration regulations.

An ICE spokesperson disclosed this information in a correspondence with media who contacted the agency to seek clarification on reports surrounding Mr. Ofori-Atta’s arrest and detention.

In response, ICE confirmed that the former Finance Minister is in custody and has been issued a Notice to Appear before a U.S. immigration judge. He will remain detained as he goes through the required legal processes.

“Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta is an illegal alien from Ghana who 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,” ICE stated.

The agency further noted that while Mr. Ofori-Atta is facing corruption and corruption-related charges in Ghana, his current detention is based on violations of U.S. immigration law.

“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 statement added.

ICE also emphasized that overstaying a visa constitutes a serious violation that could result in deportation, reiterating the administration’s position on immigration enforcement.

“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,” the agency said.

Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, who served as Ghana’s Finance Minister, is facing multiple corruption-related allegations linked to his time in office. He has not appeared before Ghanaian courts, prompting the Government of Ghana to formally request his extradition from the United States.