A bond hearing for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is scheduled for today, February 19, 2026, with a federal court expected to determine whether he may be granted release while immigration proceedings continue.

Presiding judge David A. Gardey has directed attorneys to present documented evidence confirming that Ghanaian authorities have formally submitted an extradition request. The judge stressed that the court “cannot act on assertions without proof,” insisting that official paperwork be filed before any decision on bail or release can be considered.

The development follows a closed-door session held on January 20, during which the court deferred consideration of Ofori-Atta’s bail application after government lawyers objected, pointing to Ghana’s pending extradition effort.

Ofori-Atta, who served under the previous New Patriotic Party administration, has been in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement since early January. Authorities say his visitor visa was revoked, leaving him without valid immigration status in the country.

His legal team has argued that he has cooperated fully with officials and is pursuing lawful remedies, including an adjustment of status petition that could allow him to remain in the United States.

At the same time, Ghanaian authorities are seeking his return to face charges at home, a process that depends on the formal extradition documentation now under scrutiny by the court.

In a separate but related development, INTERPOL recently withdrew a Red Notice issued against Ofori-Atta. His lawyers contend the decision was based on the notice being deemed predominantly political in nature.

The outcome of today’s hearing is expected to shape both his custody status and the trajectory of the extradition proceedings.