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Ghana Embassy in the U.S. Says Ofori-Atta Declined Consular Support Following ICE Detention

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Former Ghanaian Minister for Finance Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta has reportedly declined consular assistance from the Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC, in the wake of his arrest and detention by U.S. law enforcement.

According to the Embassy, the embattled former minister insisted that any engagement with embassy officials should take place only in the presence of his lawyers.

In a press release dated January 10, 2026, and signed by Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, the embassy confirmed that Mr. Ofori-Atta had been taken into custody by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The embassy said it acted promptly after learning of the detention, taking steps to verify the circumstances surrounding the matter.

“Upon receiving this information, the Embassy undertook the necessary steps to verify the circumstances surrounding the matter,” the statement noted.

After confirming the detention, the mission formally contacted the relevant U.S. detention facility to request access to Mr. Ofori-Atta in order to provide consular assistance, in line with standard diplomatic practice and international conventions, including the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, which guarantees detained foreign nationals the right to consular access.

However, officials at the facility informed the embassy that Mr. Ofori-Atta had declined to engage with consular officers at that time, stating that he would only do so in the presence of his legal representatives.

“The Embassy was informed by the facility that the detainee declined to engage with consular officials without his lawyers present,” the statement said.

The embassy stressed that this decision was a personal choice by Mr. Ofori-Atta and should not be interpreted as a denial of access by U.S. authorities. It added that the mission remains in active contact with the appropriate U.S. agencies and is closely monitoring developments to ensure that his rights and welfare are fully respected.

While the statement did not disclose the specific grounds for the detention, it indicated that the matter remains under active engagement between Ghanaian diplomatic officials and U.S. authorities. The embassy also declined to comment on any potential legal proceedings, citing the need to respect due process.

Mr. Ofori-Atta, who served as Ghana’s finance minister for several years, is a prominent public figure whose tenure included major fiscal and economic reforms, as well as negotiations with international financial institutions during periods of economic stress. His tenure was also characterized by controversial decisions, one of them being the Domestic Debt Exchange Program.

 There is currently a 78-count indictment in Ghana against him related to corruption allegations for which the government has sought his return.

An extradition request has been submitted through Ghana’s Attorney-General, and discussions with U.S. authorities are ongoing.

According to his lawyers, ICE detained him because of diplomatic and legal maneuvers.

The Embassy of Ghana reiterated that it stands ready to assist should Mr. Ofori-Atta request it at a later stage.

“The Embassy of Ghana remains in contact with the appropriate United States authorities and will continue to follow the matter closely to ensure that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s rights are totally respected,” the statement assured.

Ghana News

Ibrahim Mahama Acquires New $70 Million Private Jet

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Accra, Ghana – March 3, 2026 – Ghanaian business tycoon Ibrahim Mahama has added a state-of-the-art Bombardier Global 6500 to his aviation fleet, with the ultra-long-range private jet valued at approximately $70 million.

The aircraft was purchased in 2024 and officially delivered in February 2026. A viral video circulating on social media today shows Mahama boarding the sleek grey-and-white jet, which proudly displays his signature “Dzata” (meaning “Lion”) branding on the tail—symbolizing strength, leadership, and his personal identity.

The Bombardier Global 6500 is one of the most advanced business jets in the world, boasting:

-A range of up to 6,600 nautical miles (enough for non-stop flights from Accra to New York, London, or Dubai)

-Maximum speed of Mach 0.90

A- spacious, customizable cabin featuring private suites, lounge areas, office space, high-end entertainment systems, and advanced climate control

-Bombardier’s cutting-edge Vision flight deck for enhanced safety and navigation

Ibrahim Mahama, younger brother of President John Dramani Mahama, is one of Ghana’s most prominent entrepreneurs and philanthropists.

His business empire spans mining (through Engineers & Planners), cement production (Dzata Cement), infrastructure development, and various charitable initiatives. The new jet aligns with his reputation for blending bold business moves with luxury and innovation.

The acquisition comes amid growing interest in private aviation among Africa’s high-net-worth individuals and reinforces Ghana’s position as a hub for influential business figures on the continent.

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Ghana News

Ghana’s Top Muslim Leader Condemns Khamenei Assassination, Calls for New World Order Based on ‘Right Over Might’

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ACCRA, GHANA – March 3, 2026 – In a strongly worded message that resonates far beyond West Africa, Ghana’s highest spiritual authority for the Muslim community has officially condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

National Chief Imam, Shaikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, issued a passionate plea for a global restructuring based on ethical principles over military power.

The message from the National Chief Imam released to the media in Ghana describes the late Iranian leader as a “pious man” and a “symbol of resistance and hope for the oppressed.”

The statement directly denounces the operation that led to his death as a “US-cum-Israeli aggression” carried out during the holy month of Ramadan.

The statement, released by his Personal Assistant Dr. Mohammed Marzuq Abubakari Azindoo on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, throws the Ghanaian Muslim community’s moral weight behind Tehran, describing the killing of the Ayatollah not as a political assassination but as a “martyrdom” that has thrown the global Islamic fraternity into sorrow.

A Broader Plea for Humanity

However, in a move that underscores the complexities of modern geopolitics, the Chief Imam’s message extends beyond sectarian lines. He explicitly expressed sadness over the loss of all lives in the ongoing conflict, including “Jewish or American, Arab or Persian.”

This inclusive tone positions the respected Ghanaian religious leader as a potential voice of moderation. He urged all warring factions to respect the sovereignty of nations, the dignity of humanity, and the sanctity of the Ramadan period.

“In the wisdom of His Eminence, contemporary society needs a new global order that articulates the centrality of RIGHT over MIGHT,” the statement reads. “This, he contends, will consolidate peace and security for the entirety of humanity.”

Geo-politics and Interfaith Harmony

The Chief Imam’s office acknowledged the deeply “geo-political” nature of the current tensions but insisted that “interfaith harmony has a role in search for solution.”

His call for an immediate end to hostilities and a shift from “escalating rhetorics” to “peace building pragmatics” arrives at a moment of extreme volatility in the Middle East.

By invoking the spirit of Ramadan—a time of reflection and mercy—Shaikh Sharubutu is appealing to the shared values of the Abrahamic faiths to de-escalate the situation.

The statement has been described by experts as a significant diplomatic signal from Ghana, a nation known for its religious tolerance and stable democracy. It places the country’s Muslim leadership firmly on the side of dialogue and against what it perceives as foreign aggression, while simultaneously calling for the protection of all innocent life.

As the world watches the fallout from Tehran, the voice from Accra adds a distinct moral dimension to the debate: a call for a global order where ethical right, rather than geopolitical might, determines the future of international peace.

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Top 10 Questions on the Escalating US-Israel-Iran Conflict Answered

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Accra, Ghana – March 3, 2026 – As the US-Israel-Iran conflict enters its third day, marked by deadly airstrikes, missile barrages, and the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, global audiences are flooded with breaking alerts, viral claims, and instant analysis.

In a special segment on Firstpost’s Vantage, veteran journalist Palki Sharma Upadhyay addressed the most pressing viewer-submitted questions to cut through the noise and provide clear, concise answers.

Key points from the explainer:

1. What exactly is happening?
The US and Israel launched attacks on Iran, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Iran retaliated with missile strikes on US bases and allied interests across the Gulf.

2. Is this war going to get bigger?
It appears likely. The conflict shows no immediate signs of stopping.

3. When will it end?
No one knows. The situation remains highly unpredictable.

4. Will Russia, China, or NATO join the war?
No. Major powers are not expected to enter directly.

5. Will this go nuclear?
Highly unlikely. Nuclear escalation is not anticipated.

6. What role is the United Nations playing?
The UN has condemned the violence but is limited to diplomatic calls for restraint.

7. What does it mean for oil-importing countries like Ghana and other African nations?
It is not good news. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz or Gulf supply routes could drive up crude and LNG prices, directly impacting energy costs, inflation, and household budgets in import-dependent economies.

8. Why is the US doing this at all?
The motivation remains unclear even to many Americans—43% disapprove of the strikes according to recent polls.

9. What should you do if you’re stuck in the region?
Do not panic. Follow official advisories, contact your embassy, and stay where you are.

10. Does anyone actually have an exit strategy?
It depends on decisions made by US President Donald Trump.

The segment reflects growing global anxiety over the conflict’s trajectory, with African governments—including Ghana—issuing shelter-in-place advisories, partial embassy evacuations, and travel warnings for nationals in the Gulf and Iran.

The potential for higher oil prices and disrupted shipping routes threatens to reverse recent single-digit inflation gains in oil-importing African countries.

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