Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States of America (USA), Victor Emmanuel Smith, has disclosed that the former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been moved from the Caroline Detention Facility, where he was held.
Ken Ofori-Atta was arrested by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Monday, January 5, 2026, over immigration status issues. He was sent to the Caroline Detention Facility.
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However, Victor Emmanuel Smith said his recent checks showed that the former Finance Minister has been moved from there and is expected to appear before a US court on January 20, 2026. He added that Ofori-Atta’s hearing would be virtual.
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“The only thing I know is that Ken’s one would be virtual, and I am also informed that he has been moved from the detention centre where he was before. I haven’t been briefed as to why the virtual court, I guess it is something they do these days.”
Ofori-Atta’s fear in returning to Ghana
In an interview with Accra-based TV3, Ghana’s Ambassador to the US said that Ken Ofori-Atta, through his cousin Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, expressed fear over fate if he returns.
According to Mr Smith, this fear was expressed by Mr Ofori-Atta’s cousin, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, in a phone conversation.
“Gabby called me and said Ken wants to come, but he is afraid of how he will be treated.”
The Ambassador said he assured Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko that Ofori-Atta will be treated well and taken through the legal process.
“So I told him I wanted to meet Ken and give him the assurance that he will be taken through the legal process because the Attorney-General, Dr Ayine gave me that assurance,” Ambassador Smith said.
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