Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has expressed optimism that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta will return to Ghana, even as the United States continues to review the legal processes surrounding his case.

Speaking to JoyNews on Wednesday, January 21, Mr Ayine said he had monitored the recent immigration hearing but could not disclose confidential discussions with US authorities. He clarified the distinction between the ongoing US immigration proceedings and any extradition request.

“The justice department is working on the extradition request. You have to understand that what is happening now is in relation to immigration law violations. That is separate and distinct from the extradition request,” he explained. “I am very hopeful. Extremely hopeful.”

His remarks come after Ofori-Atta appeared before Judge David A. Gardey at the United States Immigration Court on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, following his detention by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The hearing, conducted in private at the request of Ofori-Atta’s legal team, focused on his bail application.

State attorneys opposed the bail request, citing an alleged extradition request by the Ghanaian government. Judge Gardey, however, declined to make an immediate ruling, noting that no documentary proof of the extradition had been presented. He directed the federal government to submit evidence on or before February 19, 2026, before any determination on Ofori-Atta’s release could be made.

“The court cannot act on assertions without proof,” Judge Gardey reportedly said.

Ofori-Atta, who served as Ghana’s finance minister from 2017 to 2023, was detained by ICE on January 6, 2026, amid questions over his lawful status in the US. His legal team in Ghana and the US have indicated that the former minister is cooperating fully with authorities while efforts continue to resolve the matter.