Ken Ofori-Atta is the former Minister of Finance
The case involving Ghana’s former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta and the United States has been adjourned after he appeared in court on January 20, 2026.
According to a report by 3news.com, the case, which was held in private, has been adjourned to April 27, 2026.
This followed a request by Ofori-Atta’s lawyer, Christopher Chaisson, who prayed for the proceedings to be held in private.
The presiding judge granted the request after noting the overwhelming public interest generated by the advertised virtual hearing on January 20, 2026.
Many Ghanaians joined the virtual hearing through the link provided.
“We would like both hearings to be closed to the public. However, with respect to the bond hearing, we would like that to be held as soon as humanly possible,” counsel for Ken Ofori-Atta stated.
Ken Ofori-Atta, who was arrested and detained by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), appeared before the court on January 20, 2026.
The former Finance Minister remains in detention following the hearing, which was streamed online.
Meanwhile, Ofori-Atta is a suspect in multiple criminal investigations being conducted by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
The OSP has declared him wanted and has placed him on an Interpol Red Notice.
Below are the cases for which the OSP has declared Ofori-Atta wanted:
1. Contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority, aimed at enhancing revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and the minerals and metals resources value chain.
2. The termination of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC) for the Distribution, Loss Reduction, and Associated Network Improvement Project.
3. The procurement of contractors, materials, and related payments for the National Cathedral project.
4. Activities and payments related to a contract awarded by the Ministry of Health (initially commenced by the Ministry for Special Development Initiatives) to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase, after-sales service, and maintenance of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 305 CDI ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.
5. Payments from, and the utilisation of funds within, the Tax Refund Account of the Ghana Revenue Authority.
JHM//AM
