The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed that Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, overstayed his visitor visa, classifying him as an “illegal alien” under US immigration laws.
According to ICE, Ofori-Atta entered the United States on May 28, 2025, on a visitor visa that was valid until November 27, 2025. The agency stated that his actions violate US immigration regulations, which could lead to deportation proceedings.
The confirmation came in response to inquiries from TV3 journalist Joseph Ackah-Blay concerning Ofori-Atta’s recent arrest. An ICE spokesperson detailed that the former minister has been served with a notice to appear before a Justice Department immigration judge and will remain in ICE custody during the legal process.
“The Trump administration has been abundantly clear: aliens must respect our laws or face the consequences. Overstaying a visa is an immigration law violation that can result in deportation,” the ICE statement read.
Ofori-Atta, who served as Ghana’s Finance Minister, is also facing multiple corruption-related charges in his home country stemming from his time in office. Ghanaian authorities have officially requested his extradition to face these allegations.
However, ICE emphasized that Ofori-Atta will first undergo due process in the United States before any extradition requests are addressed.