Annandale, Virginia – February 23, 2026 – A United States immigration court has denied bail to Ghana's embattled former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, according to multiple reports. The ruling means the former official will remain in federal custody at least until his deportation hearing begins in late April.
Presiding Judge David Gardey of the Annandale Court in Virginia rejected the bail application during a hearing on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Sources cited by veteran journalist Alfred Ogbamey indicate that Mr. Ofori-Atta's legal team had requested his release specifically to enable him to seek external medical treatment.
However, Judge Gardey ruled against the request, stating that the medical care available at the detention facility where Mr. Ofori-Atta is being held is sufficient. The former minister is currently housed at the Caroline Detention Facility, a holding center operated by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“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,” parts of a post from the journalist detailed.
Official records confirm that Mr. Ofori-Atta remains in ICE custody. A search of the US Department of Homeland Security database conducted on Monday afternoon showed he was still listed as an inmate at the Caroline facility.
The denial of bail suggests a prolonged period of detention for the former minister, who was initially taken into custody by ICE agents on January 6, 2026. His legal situation is now scheduled to progress to a full deportation hearing, which is set to commence at the same court on April 27, 2026.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
