Former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori Atta has been denied bail by the United States Immigration Court on 23rd February, 2026. Ofori Atta was reported to have had his bail unsuccessful and to remain at the United State Court because; he is currently involved in two legal processes. That is – USA immigration proceedings and an extradition request from Ghana.
First and foremost, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Virginia, confirms denying Ofori Atta bail because – US authorities are pursuing deportation proceedings with basis of him violating immigration laws. Also, the Government of Ghana is as well seeking his extradition to face criminal charges filed against him at the Accra High Court.
During Ofori Atta’s initial court appearance on 20th January, 2026 at the Annandale Court in Virginia, his legal team applied for a bail to allow him attend proceedings from his residence in Washington, DC. However, the presiding Judge – David Gardey had denied the request and adjourned the sitting of the substantive deportation to 27th April, 2026. David, the presiding Judge reportedly ruled out his bail because, he stated empathetically that the basis of which Kenneth Lawyers are requesting for his bail is groundless. Considering the fact that, the ICE facility has adequate medical care for its detainees, yet, they want a bail to be granted on his behalf to access proper medical care, which according to him seem baseless without merit.
At the hearing, it was indicated that, Ofori Atta’s Lawyers prayed and pleaded with the presiding Judge to grant their client bail but Judge David, stood on his grounds and refused their request; insisting that the former finance minister can as well receive proper and adequate medical treatment from the ICE facility.
Updates are that, Ofori Atta will still be held or remain in custody of the Caroline Detention Facility until 27th April, 2026. Whereas in Ghana too, the Office of Special Prosecutor also awaits his responses on the 28 counts charges filed against him and the 13 counts charges filed against his former aide – Ernest Darko Akore.