Government has indicated that the return of former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta from the United States to Ghana could be imminent following his recent detention by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Mr Ofori-Atta was picked up by ICE earlier this week, prompting fresh commentary from Ghana’s Ministry of Justice.

Speaking on TV3 on Saturday, January 10, 2026, the Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, said the former minister could be back in Ghana sooner than anticipated.

“Ofori-Atta could be back in Ghana sooner than expected,” Dr Srem-Sai stated.

He confirmed that the Attorney-General’s Department and the Ministry of Justice are actively involved in the matter and working with relevant law enforcement agencies.

“We are keenly involved in this matter. We collaborate with law enforcement agencies in this matter,” he said.

Dr Srem-Sai disclosed that Mr Ofori-Atta’s US visa had been revoked as far back as June 2025, a point earlier confirmed by Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, on Joy FM’s Newsfile programme the same day.

“In June 2025, his visa was revoked; it’s not an expiration of the visa. The information we have is that his visa was revoked. So he has been living in America without a visa,” Dr Srem-Sai explained.

He stressed that the distinction between visa expiration and revocation is legally significant, noting that revocation is an active administrative decision that often follows the identification of disqualifying factors.

According to the Deputy Attorney-General, ICE’s action was consistent with this status.

“ICE will not come for you unless you have visa issues; that is what has happened,” he said.

Mr Ofori-Atta is wanted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the Attorney-General’s Department in connection with planned prosecutions relating to the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) deal and the National Cathedral project.

The former minister has been in the United States seeking medical treatment. However, his legal team, Minka-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners (MPOBB), is reportedly attempting to prevent his immediate removal, arguing that a pending petition for adjustment of status should afford him protection.

Dr Srem-Sai’s comments, however, suggest that the prior revocation of Mr Ofori-Atta’s visa may already have determined his immigration status, potentially paving the way for his repatriation to Ghana.