ICE Cleared Ken Ofori-Atta as Medically Fit for Detention – Ghana’s US Ambassador

ICE Confirmed Ofori-Atta Was Fit for Detention

Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Smith, has disclosed that the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta was medically fit to be held in detention.

Speaking in a JoyNews interview on January 12, 2026, Ambassador Smith said ICE conducted a medical assessment on Ofori-Atta before deciding to place him in detention.

Medical Assessment Conducted Before Detention

According to the Ambassador, medical professionals attached to the detention facility examined Ofori-Atta and cleared him for custody.

“Yes, the ICE people confirmed that he was all right. They had medical people to determine whether he was fit to be held in the detention centre, and they were convinced he was okay,” Smith said.

He explained that although the former minister was on medication, he was not under the active care of a doctor at the time.

“He was on medication, but he wasn’t seeing any doctor at the time, and he had his medication, so he could be put in the detention centre,” he added.

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FBI Also Involved in the Case

Ambassador Victor Smith further revealed that both ICE and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are involved in Ofori-Atta’s case, suggesting the matter goes beyond immigration issues.

“ICE normally handles immigration issues, but when the FBI gets involved, then there must be some criminality or an Interpol request triggering a red alert,” he stated.

Embassy Denied Access After Ofori-Atta’s Request

The Ambassador disclosed that the Ghanaian Embassy requested consular access to check on Ofori-Atta’s welfare but was unable to meet him.

According to Smith, Ofori-Atta insisted on seeing embassy officials only in the presence of his lawyers, which led to the visit being cancelled.

“The detainee refused to see us under any circumstances without his lawyers,” he said, describing the situation as disappointing.

The embassy later respected his decision and did not pursue further visits.

Detention Details

Ken Ofori-Atta has been held at the Caroline Detention Facility in Virginia since January 6, 2026. Reports indicate he travelled to the United States to seek medical care before his arrest over questions surrounding his immigration status.

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