News
Setback! Lawyers Cause Judge to Close Ofori-Atta’s High-Profile Immigration Hearing to Public
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-Attaโs 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-Attaโs 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.
โAs 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-Attaโwho appeared on camera in a face mask and appearing subduedโremains 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-Generalโs 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-Attaโs detention and ongoing immigration case have become a major legal and political story, closely followed in Ghana and abroad. As a central figure in Ghanaโs 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 Tuesdayโs 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 Mahamaโs Reaction After Atta Millsโ Death Resurfaces and Other Trending Issues Today (March 18, 2026)
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 todayโs 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.
Read the full story here
โUnacceptableโ โ Chief Condemns NDCโs Attempt to Disrupt Minorityโs 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 โunacceptableโ and called for political maturity to allow farmers to receive information without disruption.
Read the full story here
โWeโre 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.
Read the full story here
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.
Read the full story here
โI Collapsed and Wept Like a Babyโ โ Video of Mahamaโs 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 โlike a babyโ as he grappled with the shock of losing his boss and close political ally.
Read the full story here
Ghana News
Newspaper Headlines Today: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Stay informed with todayโs front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.
























Ghana News
President Mahama Urges Prayers for Peace in Middle East
Accra, Ghana โ President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned that the escalating war in the Middle East โ involving joint U.S.โIsrael strikes on Iran and Iranโs 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.
โThe conflict between the U.S. and Israel, and Iran, is affecting not only the Middle East; itโs affecting the whole world,โ Mahama stated. โAnd 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 presidentโs remarks come as the conflict enters its third week, with reported U.S.โIsrael 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 countryโs 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 Mahamaโs 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.
-
Ghana News2 days agoGhana Announces Emergency One-Way Evacuation for Citizens in Qatar Amid Heightened Security Concerns
-
Ghana News2 days agoHealthcare for All: President Launches Policy to End Financial Barriers at Facilities Across Ghana
-
Global Update2 days agoInfluential Foreign Policy Group Sends Direct Message to Trump Warning of Global Risks From His Actions in Iran
-
Africa Watch2 days agoFrance Returns Sacred ‘Talking Drumโ Looted During Colonial Rule to Ivory Coast
-
Ghana News1 day agoNewspaper Headlines Today: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
-
Ghana News1 day agoPresident Mahama Launches Nationwide โResetting Ghana Tourโ, Fuel Tanker Explosion and Other Trending Issues Today (March 17, 2026)
-
Ghana News1 day agoHow America’s Allies and Partners Have Responded to Trump’s Pleas For Help in the Strait of Hormuz
-
Arts and GH Heritage1 day agoThe Sacred Weight of the President’s Sword

Pingback: Ghana News Live Blog: Key Updates on January 20, 2026