Public barred as Ofori-Atta faces US immigration judge

A United States immigration court in Virginia has barred public access to proceedings involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as his legal battle over immigration status continues.

Ken Ofori-Atta appeared before the Annandale Immigration Court on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, weeks after he was taken into custody by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). American authorities argue that he no longer holds a lawful status to remain in the country following the revocation of his visitor visa.

The case, presided over by Immigration Judge David Gardey, focused on a bond redetermination and an initial review of the matter. Official court records show that the former minister is currently being held at the Caroline Detention Center.

Mr Ofori-Atta was represented by a legal team that included Christopher Chaisson of the law firm Whiteford Taylor & Preston, alongside Kwao Amagashi, described during proceedings as his long-time immigration counsel.

At the start of the hearing, his lawyers requested that both the bond proceedings and the related master calendar hearing be closed to the public, citing the sensitive nature of the issues to be discussed.

Judge Gardey upheld the request, ordering the proceedings to be conducted in private in line with U.S. immigration regulations. He further instructed all non-parties observing via Webex to exit the session before the hearing continued.

The outcome of the case is expected to determine whether Mr Ofori-Atta will remain in the United States or face removal, a decision that could also have broader implications for related legal matters unfolding in Ghana.

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