Embattled former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has reportedly been denied bail by a United States immigration court, following a hearing on February 19, 2026.
According to veteran journalist Alfred Ogbamey, sources close to the proceedings disclosed that the former minister’s bail application was unsuccessful despite arguments presented by his legal team.
Lawyers for Ofori-Atta had petitioned the court to grant him bail to enable him to seek specialized medical attention. However, the presiding judge, David Gardey, rejected the request.
Judge Gardey of the Annandale Court reportedly ruled that bail was unnecessary, stating that the former minister has access to adequate medical care at the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility where he is currently being held.
“At his hearing last Thursday, lawyers for Ken Ofori-Atta argued that he should be granted bail to access proper medical care. Sources say the Judge refused the request, insisting that the former minister has access to adequate medical needs at the ICE facility,” portions of Ogbamey’s report stated.
Checks by GhanaWeb indicate that the former minister remains in custody. A search on the official website of the United States Department of Homeland Security confirmed that as of 1:00 p.m. on February 23, 2026, Ofori-Atta was still being held at the Caroline Detention Facility.
The development suggests that he could remain in detention until April 27, 2026, when his deportation hearing is expected to commence.
