A member of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s legal team, Frank Davies, has disclosed that proceedings for his client’s release on bond in the United States were halted after Ghanaian authorities objected, citing a pending extradition process.
Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show, Mr Davies explained that the former minister had already gone through a bond application hearing—what is known in Ghana as a bail application—when the objection was introduced.
“There was a bond posting, a bond application hearing. A bond posting or bond application hearing is a legal proceeding in the United States. In our jurisdiction, we say bail,” he said.
According to him, just as the presiding judge was about to determine the bond request, government representatives informed the court that extradition proceedings were underway against Mr Ofori-Atta. However, he noted that no documentary proof was immediately available to support the claim.
“Now, we posted the bond, and just as the court was about to decide, our government authorities objected that there was an extradition proceeding pending. Now, proof immediately could not be provided to the presiding judge,” he stated.
Mr Davies said the judge subsequently adjourned the bond hearing to February 19, giving the Ghanaian authorities up to 30 working days to provide evidence of any extradition process.
“Our authorities have 30 working days to provide ample proof of extradition proceedings to the judge, after which the judge will decide one way or the other to release Ken from detention custody and admit him to his freedom temporarily,” he added.
His comments follow Mr Ofori-Atta’s appearance before a US immigration court in Virginia on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, as proceedings continue regarding his immigration status. He was reportedly seen in a dark shirt and a face mask during the hearing.
The matter was heard at the Annandale Immigration Court before Immigration Judge David Gardey, and focused on a bond redetermination and a preliminary review of his case.
Mr Ofori-Atta was earlier detained by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with US authorities arguing that he no longer has lawful status to remain in the country following the revocation of his visitor visa.
The former finance minister has been at the centre of public and legal scrutiny in Ghana, particularly following investigations and charges announced by the Office of the Special Prosecutor over alleged corruption and related offences.
