The session, which initially began as an open court hearing, was later moved behind closed doors at the request of his legal team.
According to the lawyers, the matters being discussed were sensitive and required private proceedings.
Earlier this month, on January 7, Mr. Ofori-Atta’s lawyers confirmed that he had been detained by U.S. immigration authorities while his application for a change in immigration status was under review.
Earlier this month, on January 7, Mr. Ofori-Atta’s lawyers confirmed that he had been detained by U.S. immigration authorities while his application for a change in immigration status was under review.
In a statement, they explained that he has filed a petition for adjustment of status, describing the process as a routine legal procedure under American immigration law.
The lawyers further assured the public that the former minister is complying fully with U.S. immigration officials and remains a law-abiding resident.
However, Ghana’s Attorney-General has disputed this account. In an interview with Joy News, he rejected claims that the situation resulted from an expired visa.
The lawyers further assured the public that the former minister is complying fully with U.S. immigration officials and remains a law-abiding resident.
However, Ghana’s Attorney-General has disputed this account. In an interview with Joy News, he rejected claims that the situation resulted from an expired visa.
Instead, he stated that the Ghanaian government requested the revocation of Mr. Ofori-Atta’s visa in June 2025, after which the former minister allegedly continued to stay in the United States without valid documentation.
Meanwhile, pressure group Arise Ghana has stepped up demands for Mr. Ofori-Atta’s return to Ghana.
Meanwhile, pressure group Arise Ghana has stepped up demands for Mr. Ofori-Atta’s return to Ghana.
The group has begun a two-week protest at the United States High Commission in Accra, calling on American authorities to deport him so that he can face questions over his tenure in government.
Arise Ghana maintains that the former finance minister should be made to account for his stewardship, particularly over matters relating to public finance and economic management during his time in office.
The case has attracted significant public attention in Ghana, as political observers closely follow developments surrounding the former minister’s legal status and the growing calls for accountability.
Arise Ghana maintains that the former finance minister should be made to account for his stewardship, particularly over matters relating to public finance and economic management during his time in office.
The case has attracted significant public attention in Ghana, as political observers closely follow developments surrounding the former minister’s legal status and the growing calls for accountability.