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Setback! Lawyers Cause Judge to Close Ofori-Atta’s High-Profile Immigration Hearing to Public

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Many Ghanaians, especially journalists, who joined a virtual hearing of Ken Ofori-Atta’s immigration case, Tuesday, were disappointed after a judge declared proceedings closed to the public.

The United States immigration court barred public access to proceedings involving the former Finance Minister, citing sensitive issues surrounding his immigration case. The development means the public interest case will be held in private, further heightening international attention on the matter.

The decision to exclude the public from the case was taken on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, during a hearing at the Annandale Immigration Court, presided over by Immigration Judge David Gardey. The case concerns Ofori-Attaโ€™s immigration status following his arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) roughly two weeks ago.

Public Excluded After Defense Request

Court records and a transcript of proceedings indicate that the public exclusion followed a formal request by Ofori-Attaโ€™s legal team. Christopher Chaisson, one of his attorneys, asked that both the bond redetermination hearing and the master calendar hearing be closed, arguing that sensitive matters would be discussed.

Judge Gardey confirmed that under U.S. immigration law, proceedings may be closed if either party requests it under qualifying circumstances. He then ordered all non-parties observing via Webex to exit the hearing immediately.

โ€œAs requested by counsel, the matter will be held as a private hearing,โ€ the judge said, adding that the court could not proceed until all members of the public had left the virtual courtroom.

Detention Continues, Bond Considered Privately

During the brief public portion of the session, it was confirmed that Ken Ofori-Attaโ€”who appeared on camera in a face mask and appearing subduedโ€”remains in detention at the Caroline Detention Center and was not physically visible on the Farmville Webex feed at the time the case was called.

The hearing was identified as a bond redetermination hearing, meaning the court was expected to assess whether Ofori-Atta could be released from custody pending further immigration proceedings. However, because the hearing was closed, no details of the bond decision or arguments presented were made public.

As of the conclusion of the public session, no ruling was announced in open court, and the outcome of the bond application remains undisclosed.

Arrest, Immigration Status, and Ghana Prosecution Efforts

ICE authorities arrested Ofori-Atta on allegations that he is unlawfully present in the United States. U.S. officials are also considering removal proceedings, with Ghanaian authorities seeking his return.

In Ghana, both the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the Attorney-Generalโ€™s Department are pursuing his extradition to face alleged malfeasance and corruption-related charges stemming from his tenure as finance minister.

The closed-door nature of the U.S. proceedings has fueled speculation, but legal analysts note that privacy orders are not uncommon in immigration cases involving medical, financial, or security-sensitive information.

A Case With Global Implications

Ofori-Attaโ€™s detention and ongoing immigration case have become a major legal and political story, closely followed in Ghana and abroad. As a central figure in Ghanaโ€™s economic management during a turbulent period marked by debt restructuring and IMF negotiations, his legal troubles have significant reputational and diplomatic implications.

For now, the immediate outcome of Tuesdayโ€™s court session is clear: the case will proceed behind closed doors, with the former finance minister remaining in ICE custody while U.S. immigration authorities and Ghanaian prosecutors pursue parallel legal paths.

Further developments are expected as the immigration court continues hearings out of public view.

Ghana News

Two Scrap Dealers Lynched, Video of Mahamaโ€™s Reaction After Atta Millsโ€™ Death Resurfaces and Other Trending Issues Today (March 18, 2026)

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Catch up on the latest major developments from Ghana. From mob violence and political tensions to fuel price concerns, a tragic helicopter crash revelation, and resurfaced emotional footage โ€” here are todayโ€™s top stories. New updates are added regularly; please return soon for the freshest coverage.


Two Scrap Dealers Lynched at Ntensere Over Alleged Child Theft
Two young men working as scrap dealers were beaten to death by a mob at Ntensere in the Ashanti Region on suspicion of stealing a child. The incident occurred after community members accused the victims of attempting to abduct a minor; police have launched an investigation and appealed for calm while warning against mob justice.
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โ€˜Unacceptableโ€™ โ€“ Chief Condemns NDCโ€™s Attempt to Disrupt Minorityโ€™s Cocoa Farmers Event
A traditional leader has strongly criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for allegedly trying to sabotage an engagement event organized by the Minority in Parliament for cocoa farmers in the Ashanti Region. The chief described the reported interference as โ€œunacceptableโ€ and called for political maturity to allow farmers to receive information without disruption.
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โ€˜Weโ€™re Still Studying the Marketโ€™ โ€“ NPA on Rising Fuel Costs
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) says it is closely monitoring global petroleum market trends before determining whether to adjust ex-pump prices in the coming pricing window. The statement comes amid consumer concerns over upward pressure on fuel costs driven by international crude prices and supply dynamics.
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Children of Popular Pastor Identified as Victims of Tragic Tema Helicopter Crash
The two fatalities in the microlight aircraft crash at Tema Community 1 have been confirmed as children of a well-known Ghanaian pastor. The private aircraft (Reg. 9G-ADV) went down while en route from Ho to Accra, killing both occupants instantly. The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority continues its investigation into the cause.
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โ€˜I Collapsed and Wept Like a Babyโ€™ โ€“ Video of Mahamaโ€™s Reaction After Atta Millsโ€™ Death Resurfaces
A decade-old video has resurfaced showing then-Vice President John Dramani Mahama visibly emotional and in tears upon learning of the sudden death of President John Evans Atta Mills in July 2012. In the clip, Mahama describes collapsing and weeping โ€œlike a babyโ€ as he grappled with the shock of losing his boss and close political ally.
Read the full story here

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Newspaper Headlines Today: Wednesday, March 18, 2026

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Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Stay informed with todayโ€™s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.


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Ghana News

President Mahama Urges Prayers for Peace in Middle East

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Accra, Ghana โ€“ President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned that the escalating war in the Middle East โ€” involving joint U.S.โ€“Israel strikes on Iran and Iranโ€™s retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Gulf โ€” is no longer a regional issue but one with far-reaching consequences for the entire world, including Ghana.

Speaking during an Iftar gathering at Jubilee House on March 16, 2026, the president appealed directly to the Muslim community to intensify prayers for divine intervention and a swift end to hostilities.

โ€œThe conflict between the U.S. and Israel, and Iran, is affecting not only the Middle East; itโ€™s affecting the whole world,โ€ Mahama stated. โ€œAnd so we pray that Allah will touch the hearts of everybody involved in this conflict and bring peace to the people in the area.โ€

The presidentโ€™s remarks come as the conflict enters its third week, with reported U.S.โ€“Israel operations targeting Iranian strategic sites โ€” including the killing of senior officials โ€” and Iran launching ballistic missiles and drones toward the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil passes, has seen significant disruptions, pushing Brent crude prices above $100 per barrel.

Ghana, a net importer of petroleum products, remains highly vulnerable to these shocks. Higher global crude prices typically feed into elevated fuel import costs, which regulators and oil marketing companies often pass on to consumers through adjusted pricing windows. The resulting increases in petrol, diesel, and LPG prices can drive up transport fares, electricity generation costs (where fuel-based plants are involved), and the overall price of goods and services as transport and production expenses rise.

Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama has already flagged the risk, warning that sustained volatility in global energy markets could undermine the countryโ€™s inflation outlook and broader economic stability.

The conflict has also touched Ghanaian nationals directly. Two Ghanaians were among those injured by shrapnel from intercepted drones near Dubai International Airport, though UAE authorities confirmed minor injuries and continued airport operations. Separately, Ghanaian peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL in Lebanon have come under attack amid hostilities involving Israeli forces, Iran-aligned groups, and regional militias.

President Mahamaโ€™s call for prayers and calm reflects both spiritual solidarity and pragmatic recognition of the domestic economic ripple effects of prolonged instability in the Middle East.

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