Ghana High Commissioner expresses disappointment as Ofori-Atta declines consular visit after ICE detention

Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United States has expressed disappointment over former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s refusal to meet with consular officials after his arrest by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, Victor Smith said the Ghanaian mission had requested access to Mr Ofori-Atta to check on his wellbeing and ensure he was being treated in accordance with international standards. According to him, ICE initially approved the request and preparations were made for consular officers to visit the detention facility.

However, Mr Smith said that shortly before the officers were due to depart, ICE informed the embassy that Mr Ofori-Atta had declined to meet them unless his lawyers were present. He added that a few hours later, ICE returned with a firmer response, indicating that the former minister had completely refused to see the consular officials under any circumstances.

The High Commissioner said this decision effectively brought the embassy’s involvement at that stage to an end. He also clarified earlier reports, stressing that consular officers never travelled to the detention centre, as ICE officials had come directly to his office to convey the updates.

Mr Smith said the refusal was disappointing both personally and officially, noting that he knows Mr Ofori-Atta personally. He explained that the embassy’s intention was simply to hear directly from him in case he had any concerns and to offer assistance if needed.

He described the former minister’s decision not to engage the embassy as unfortunate, especially since no one else had visited him at the time.

Addressing concerns about Mr Ofori-Atta’s health and detention conditions, Mr Smith said ICE had assured the embassy that he was medically evaluated before being held. He added that ICE confirmed the former finance minister was on medication and had access to it while in detention, although he was not seeing a doctor at the time.