Hopeson Adorye Lays Out New Details on Ken Ofori-Atta’s U.S. Detention
Accra, Ghana — Fresh political controversy has erupted following the reported detention of former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta by United States immigration authorities, with Hopeson Adorye, a senior member of the United Party, offering detailed criticism and fresh claims about the incident and its broader implications.
Mr. Adorye has accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of remaining silent and failing to adequately respond to what he described as a shocking and “Rambo-style” arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to reports, Ofori-Atta was taken into custody by ICE over immigration status issues after his U.S. visa was reportedly revoked or lapsed, triggering detention procedures under American law.
Speaking on national television, Adorye said that Ofori-Atta’s detention has not only raised questions about the circumstances of his arrest but also about the absence of a strong public statement from the NPP leadership condemning or clarifying the situation. He said the manner of the arrest — which he portrayed as aggressive and unnecessary — should have prompted a formal response from party officials.
Adorye went further to say that the episode has “brought disgrace” on the NPP and that Ofori-Atta should return to Ghana to face justice and clear his name. His comments come amid broader political debate over accountability, legal compliance, and the reputational impact on Ghana’s major political parties.
Context Behind the Detention
According to legal and news sources, Mr. Ofori-Atta’s U.S. visa was reportedly revoked by American authorities in 2025, which left him without valid status in the country — a situation that led to his detention by ICE and ongoing legal processes including possible deportation or immigration proceedings.
The Embassy of Ghana in Washington confirmed that Ofori-Atta is in ICE custody and that consular officials have sought access to him, though he reportedly declined a meeting without his lawyers present.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has previously declared Ofori-Atta a wanted person in connection with investigations into alleged corruption and irregular contracts during his tenure as finance minister — allegations that his legal team has consistently challenged.
Political Fallout
The reaction to the reported detention has spilled into Ghanaian political discourse. Other commentators, including journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr., have described the public debate around Ofori-Atta’s situation as a mix of political theater and serious legal confrontation, reflecting deep polarisation over issues of accountability and governance.
Adorye has also suggested that addressing Ofori-Atta’s case transparently and decisively would be a meaningful step toward curbing corruption in Ghana — a sentiment that echoes wider calls for legal clarity and institutional strength.
As the story develops, legal observers both in Ghana and abroad are watching closely how the U.S. legal process unfolds, how Ghanaian authorities engage diplomatically, and how political parties respond domestically to one of the most contentious political and legal sagas in recent Ghanaian history.