A US court has reportedly denied a bail application filed on behalf of Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, in an ongoing immigration case.
According to information shared by veteran Ghanaian journalist Alfred Ogbamey, checks on the official US Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS) confirm that Ofori-Atta remains in custody at the Caroline Detention Facility in Virginia following his arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) several months ago.
At his initial court appearance on January 20, 2026, his legal team requested bail to allow him to attend immigration proceedings from his residence in Washington, DC. However, Judge David Gardey of the Annandale Court in Virginia denied the request and scheduled further proceedings. The main deportation hearing has been adjourned to April 27, 2026.
During a subsequent hearing, Ofori-Atta’s lawyers reportedly argued that he should be granted bail to enable him to access proper medical care. The judge, however, maintained that adequate medical services are available at the ICE facility and refused the request.
Reports indicate that Ofori-Atta’s legal team, which includes former US Attorney General and Missouri Senator John Ashcroft and his law and lobbying firm, alongside Enayatullah Qasimi, is expected to file for a review of the ruling.
The case continues to draw attention both in Ghana and abroad as legal proceedings unfold.