Former minister of finance under the government of H.E. Nana Akuffo Addo, Ken Ofori-Atta, who is wanted in an ongoing investigation in Ghana, has been detained by ICE.

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to US-based Ghanaian law firm Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners (MPOBB), detained Ofori Atta over his immigration status.

MPOBB are confident he would be released after a petition was filed for an adjustment of status, which, under the US immigration law, allows one to remain in the country beyond his permitted time.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Dr Dominic Ayine, announced on Thursday, December 18, 2025, that his office had transmitted a request for the extradition of Mr Ofori-Atta and an alleged accomplice, Ernest Akore.

Mr Ofori-Atta is wanted for his alleged involvement in causing financial loss in the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).

SML Case

The criminal case against Mr Ofori-Atta and five other top government officials stemmed from a revenue assurance contract awarded to SML by the previous government, which has become a subject of controversy and numerous allegations, leading to its eventual cancellation by the government following a directive by President John Dramani Mahama.