Ofori-Atta declines consular support from Ghana Embassy in US without lawyers present

Former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta has turned down consular assistance from the Ghana Embassy in Washington, DC, insisting that any engagement with embassy officials should take place only in the presence of his lawyers.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on January 10, 2026, and signed by Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith. The embassy confirmed in the release that Mr Ofori-Atta is currently in the custody of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

According to the statement, the embassy moved promptly to establish the facts after learning of the former minister’s detention. Upon confirming the situation, officials formally contacted the relevant detention facility to request access to Mr Ofori-Atta in order to offer consular assistance, in line with standard diplomatic practice and international conventions.

However, authorities at the facility informed the embassy that Mr Ofori-Atta declined to meet consular officers at that time, explaining that he would only do so if his legal representatives were present.

The embassy clarified that this decision was made solely by Mr Ofori-Atta and did not constitute a denial of consular access by U.S. authorities.

It further stated that the mission remains in constant contact with the appropriate U.S. agencies and is closely monitoring developments to ensure that Mr Ofori-Atta’s rights and welfare are fully protected throughout the process.

While the embassy did not specify the grounds for his detention, it noted that the matter remains under active engagement with U.S. authorities. The mission also refrained from commenting on any potential legal proceedings, citing respect for due process.

Mr Ofori-Atta, who served as Ghana’s finance minister for several years and played a key role in major fiscal reforms and international negotiations, remains a high-profile public figure. His detention has therefore attracted considerable public and political attention both in Ghana and among Ghanaians living in the United States.

The embassy reiterated that it stands ready to provide consular support should Mr Ofori-Atta request it at a later stage, assuring that it will continue to follow the case closely to ensure his rights are fully respected.