The Embassy of Ghana in Washington DC, United States of America (USA), has confirmed that Ghana’s former Minister for Finance, Mr Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, has been taken into custody by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In a statement, the Ambassador Emmanuel Victor Smith-led embassy said it took immediate steps to verify the circumstances surrounding the matter upon receiving the information.

Following confirmation, Ghana’s diplomatic mission formally contacted the relevant detention facility to request access to Mr Ofori-Atta in order to provide consular assistance in accordance with established diplomatic practice and international protocols, the statement added.

According to the embassy, officials at the detention facility indicated that Mr Ofori-Atta declined to engage with consular representatives at that time, stating that he wished to do so only in the presence of his legal counsel.

The Embassy of Ghana noted that it remains in contact with the appropriate United States authorities and will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure that Mr Ofori-Atta’s rights are fully respected.

The embassy assured that it is committed to following due process and providing the necessary consular support as developments unfold.

Read: ICE: Ken Ofori-Atta detained by US immigration authorities, lawyers assure public of imminent resolution