The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has described Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, as an “illegal alien” after allegedly overstaying his permitted period of stay in the United States.
According to ICE, the situation constitutes a breach of U.S. immigration law and could result in his deportation.
The clarification came from an ICE spokesperson in correspondence with Accra-based TV3 journalist Joseph Ackah-Blay, who had contacted the agency to verify reports about Ofori-Atta’s detention.
In its response, ICE explained that the former minister entered the United States on May 28, 2025, using a visitor’s visa that expired on November 27, 2025.
“Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta is an illegal alien from Ghana facing corruption and corruption-related charges in his home country,” the statement said. “He entered the United States on May 28, 2025, on a visitor’s visa with an expiration date of Nov. 27, 2025, and overstayed his permitted admission.”
ICE further noted that Ofori-Atta has been served with a Notice to Appear and will remain in custody while the legal process continues.
“He will remain in ICE custody and will be given due process before a Justice Department immigration judge,” the agency added.
The immigration authority stressed that the U.S. government expects strict compliance with immigration laws.
“Aliens must respect our laws or face consequences. Overstaying a visa is an immigration violation that may result in deportation,” ICE stated.
Ofori-Atta is facing multiple corruption-related charges in Ghana linked to his tenure as Finance Minister.
Ghanaian authorities have formally requested his extradition, though ICE confirmed that the former minister will first undergo due process in the United States before any extradition matters are considered.