Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s former finance minister, appeared before a United States immigration court in Virginia on Jan. 20 as proceedings continue over his legal status in the country.
Mr. Ofori-Atta, who was detained earlier this month by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is being held at the Caroline Detention Center. U.S. authorities contend that he no longer has lawful grounds to remain in the United States, citing the revocation of his visitor visa.
The hearing, conducted at the Annandale Immigration Court before Judge David Gardey, centered on a bond redetermination and a preliminary review of the case. Mr. Ofori-Atta was represented by Christopher Chaisson of Whiteford Taylor & Preston and Kwao Amagashi, described in court as his longtime immigration lawyer.
At the request of counsel, Judge Gardey ordered the proceedings closed to the public, citing the sensitive nature of the issues under discussion. Observers connected remotely via Webex were directed to leave before the session continued.
The case is scheduled to resume on April 27. Its outcome could determine whether Mr. Ofori-Atta remains in the United States or is removed, a decision that may carry consequences for ongoing legal matters in Ghana.
Mr. Ofori-Atta has been declared wanted by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor, which has charged him with corruption and related offenses. The allegations include irregularities tied to the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited contract and other procurement dealings.
