Oliver Barker-Vormawor, a Ghanaian activist and lawyer, has told Ghanaians that the embattled former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta was not arrested over Ghana’s extradition request.
The lawyer highlighted that Ken Ofori-Atta was arrested for overstaying his visa.
In a post on social media X, on January 8, 2026, Barker-Vormawor stated, “Ken Ofori-Atta was not arrested over our extradition request. He was arrested for overstaying his visa”.
He further clarified that Ken Ofori-Atta is “liable to being deported. Not extradited”.
His remarks follow a public notice issued by Ghana-based law firm Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners (MPOBB) on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, which revealed that Ofori-Atta’s detention is linked to questions surrounding his continued stay in the United States, rather than any criminal wrongdoing.
According to them, Ofori-Atta has a pending petition for adjustment of status, which, in US immigration law, allows an individual to remain in the country beyond the validity of their original visa while it is considered.
The public notice read, “The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as of yesterday (6 January 2026), detained the former Minister for Finance, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, regarding the status of his current stay in the United States. His US legal team is in contact with ICE and expects the matter to be resolved expeditiously,”
“Mr Ofori-Atta has a pending petition for adjustment of status, which authorises a person to stay in the US legally beyond the period of validity of their visa. Under US law, a change of status by this method is common.
“The public is, therefore, advised to note that he is a law-abiding person and is fully cooperating with ICE to have this issue resolved. His legal team is in contact with ICE and working to resolve the matter as expeditiously as possible,” the public notice further read.
Ken Ofori-Atta’s being picked up ICE triggers a legal process that could lead to his removal from the country.
Meanwhile, Frank Davies, a lawyer for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, has revealed they plan to challenge efforts to deport their client following his detention by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Speaking to JoyNews, Frank Davies confirmed Ken Ofori-Atta’s legal team in Ghana has filed a petition seeking an extension of his stay.
According to him, the application was filed to allow Ken Ofori-Atta continue his ongoing medical treatment.
Frank Davis stated, “He’s been there for a medical procedure, and he is still undergoing treatment in consultation with the medical team. He has been advised to remain and continue with the repetitive procedures being administered,” Frank Davies said.
“As it is customary, if you would like to remain in the jurisdiction beyond the limit of your visa, you will have to apply. Otherwise, your stay becomes illegal, and you would have to be repatriated,” he added.
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