A United States federal court is set to determine the immediate legal fate of Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, as a crucial bond hearing takes place today, February 19, 2026. Central to the proceedings is whether Ghanaian authorities have formally and properly submitted documentation to support an extradition request against him.
Presiding over the matter, Judge David A. Gardey has made it clear that the court will not rely on verbal claims or informal assurances. During earlier proceedings, he emphasized that judicial action must be grounded in documented evidence, directing state attorneys to produce concrete proof of any official extradition filing before the court can rule on the question of bond or possible release.
The development follows an in-camera session held on January 20, during which the judge temporarily suspended deliberations on Ofori-Atta’s bail request. Government attorneys had opposed granting him bond at that stage, pointing to what they described as an ongoing extradition effort initiated by Ghanaian authorities. The court subsequently required formal confirmation of that process before moving forward.
Ofori-Atta, who previously served as Ghana’s Finance Minister under the New Patriotic Party administration, has been in the custody of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement since early January. His detention stems from immigration-related concerns, with prosecutors indicating that his visitor visa was revoked, effectively stripping him of legal authorization to remain in the United States while his status undergoes review.
His legal team has pushed back against arguments for continued detention, asserting that he has complied with all legal requirements and has not attempted to evade authorities. They further maintain that he is actively pursuing available remedies under U.S. immigration law, including an application seeking adjustment of status, which they argue provides a lawful pathway for him to remain in the country pending resolution of the matter.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s parallel efforts to secure his return through extradition remain a decisive factor in the court’s consideration. The judge’s ruling on bond is expected to hinge significantly on whether the required documentation is presented in accordance with U.S. legal standards.
In a separate but related development, INTERPOL has withdrawn a Red Notice previously issued against Ofori-Atta. His attorneys contend that the removal was based on concerns that the notice bore a predominantly political character, a position they argue strengthens their case against continued detention.
The outcome of today’s hearing is likely to shape the next phase of the former minister’s legal battle, both in the United States and in relation to proceedings anticipated in Ghana.
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