The Embassy of Ghana in Washington has confirmed that Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s former finance minister, is in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
In a statement issued Saturday, Jan. 10, and signed by Ghana’s ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, the embassy said it had received official notification that ICE had detained Mr. Ofori-Atta. The embassy said it immediately began steps to verify the circumstances of the detention.
After confirmation, officials contacted the detention facility to request access to Mr. Ofori-Atta to provide consular assistance, in keeping with diplomatic and international protocols.
The embassy stated that officials at the facility informed them that Mr. Ofori-Atta declined to meet with consular representatives, citing his wish to do so only with his lawyers present.
“The Embassy of Ghana remains in contact with the appropriate United States authorities and will continue to follow the matter closely to ensure that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s rights are totally respected,” the statement said.
