Ghana’s former Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, appeared before a United States immigration court today for a virtual hearing addressing his immigration status following his detention by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Ofori-Atta participated remotely from the Caroline Detention Facility in Virginia during the proceedings at the Annandale Immigration Court.
He joined the Webex stream wearing a grey jacket over a black overall jumpsuit, with a nose mask covering his face.
The court briefly recessed to address a technical issue before resuming. Upon return, Ofori-Atta’s lawyer, Christopher Chisson, moved for a private hearing, citing that sensitive subjects would be raised during the proceedings.
“We would like the hearing to be closed to the public. However, with respect to the bond hearing, we would like to add that it be held as soon as humanly possible,” he said.
The judge granted the request and directed that the hearing proceed in private. “So all the individuals in the Webex, the matter is going to be heard as a private hearing under United States Immigration law,” the judge ruled.