US Court Orders Ken Ofori-Atta’s Immigration Case to Be Heard in Private

A United States immigration court has ruled that proceedings involving Ghana’s former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, will be conducted in private, following a request by his legal team.

The decision was taken on January 20, 2026, after Ofori-Atta’s lead counsel, Christopher Chaisson, petitioned the court to close both the bond hearing and the master calendar hearing to the public. The request was granted by the presiding judge due to what was described as overwhelming public interest in the case.

The hearing had initially been advertised as a virtual session, attracting numerous Ghanaian observers who joined via WebEx.

“We would like both hearings to be closed to the public. However, with respect to the bond hearing, we would like to have that held as soon as humanly possible,” Ofori-Atta’s lawyer told the court.

Judge Orders Observers to Exit Virtual Session

Responding to the request, the presiding judge explained that US immigration law permits private hearings if either party requests it under certain circumstances.

“I understand. So all the individuals who are in the WebEx, the matter is going to be held as a private hearing under United States immigration law,” the judge stated.

“If anyone in the WebEx who is here to view this hearing, either the bond hearing or the master calendar hearing, you should leave the hearing now because we cannot proceed until you have left.”

Following the ruling, all non-parties were asked to exit the virtual platform before proceedings continued behind closed doors.

Ofori-Atta Remains in ICE Custody

Ken Ofori-Atta was arrested earlier this month by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and remains in detention following the hearing. Court records indicate that he is currently being held at the Caroline Detention Center in Virginia.

The case was heard at the Annandale Immigration Court before Immigration Judge David Gardey and focused on a bond redetermination as well as a preliminary review of Ofori-Atta’s immigration status.

US authorities argue that the former finance minister no longer has lawful status to remain in the country, citing the revocation of his visitor visa.

Read Also; Yaw Dabo Sues Oboy Siki Over Defamatory Comments

Multiple Investigations in Ghana

Meanwhile, Ofori-Atta is a suspect in several criminal investigations being handled by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). The OSP has declared him wanted and placed him on an Interpol Red Notice.

The cases under investigation include:

Cases Cited by the OSP

1. Contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority relating to revenue assurance in petroleum and mineral sectors.

2. Termination of a contract between ECG and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC) for the Distribution and Loss Reduction Project.

3. Procurement processes and payments linked to the National Cathedral Project.

4. Payments and activities under a Ministry of Health contract with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase and maintenance of 307 ambulances.

5. Payments from and use of funds in the GRA Tax Refund Account.

What Happens Next

The outcome of the closed immigration hearings could determine whether Ken Ofori-Atta remains in the United States or is removed, a decision that may have significant implications for his legal battles in Ghana.

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