US Court adjourns Ofori-Atta immigration hearing to April 27

Proceedings in the United States immigration case involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta have been adjourned to April 27, 2026, as legal processes over his status continue.

Ken Ofori-Atta appeared before the Annandale Immigration Court in Virginia on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, where the matter was heard by Immigration Judge David Gardey. The session focused on a bond redetermination and an initial review of the case. The former finance minister was seen in court wearing a dark shirt and a face mask.

The hearing followed Mr Ofori-Atta’s detention earlier this month by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). US authorities argue that he no longer has a lawful status to remain in the country following the revocation of his visitor visa.

Court records indicate that Mr Ofori-Atta is currently being held at the Caroline Detention Center while the case proceeds.

He was represented in court by a legal team led by Christopher Chaisson of Whiteford Taylor & Preston, alongside Kwao Amagashi, described during proceedings as his long-time immigration lawyer.

During the hearing, Mr Ofori-Atta’s counsel requested that both the bond hearing and the related master calendar hearing be conducted behind closed doors, citing the sensitive nature of issues expected to be discussed. Judge Gardey granted the request and ordered that the proceedings be held privately, directing non-parties observing via Webex to exit the session.

The immigration case has wider implications, as Mr Ofori-Atta faces multiple criminal charges in Ghana and has been declared wanted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) over alleged corruption and corruption-related offences. These include matters linked to the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) contract and other procurement-related issues.

With Ghana actively seeking his extradition from the United States, the outcome of the immigration proceedings is expected to play a key role in determining whether Mr Ofori-Atta remains in the US or is returned to Ghana to face prosecution. Further hearings are anticipated as the case advances.

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