Ken Ofori-Atta in the process of adjusting his immigration status - NPP's Ahiagbah

The Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has spoken out following reports that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta was arrested in the United States by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Appearing on Accra-based Joy Prime on Monday, January 12, 2026, Ahiagbah claimed that Ken Ofori-Atta had not flouted immigration rules and had already taken steps to regularise his stay.

According to him, Ofori-Atta’s visa was valid, and questioned why ICE would detain him.

“The truth is Ken has taken steps. His visa will expire in February this year but then he has taken proactive steps of renewing it. Why was he arrested when he had a valid visa until February 14?”

Ahiagbah explained that beyond renewing his visa, the former minister was also in the process of adjusting his immigration status. He stated that Ofori-Atta was working toward becoming a permanent resident, a process that was already underway.

“I know that Ken is in the process of adjusting his status to change from a visa requirement to, perhaps, becoming a permanent resident there. That process is also underway,” he said.

While acknowledging that he could not fully explain the reasons behind the arrest, Ahiagbah disclosed that documentation issues may have triggered ICE’s action.

“Even if I can conjecture anything, it’ll be that perhaps they have seen a different documentation,” he added.

His comments come at a time of mounting public scrutiny over the case of the embattled former minister, following his arrest by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Watch his comments below:/b>

Ken is in the process of adjusting his status to change from a visa requirement to, perhaps, becoming a permanent resident — Richard Ahiagba, Communications Director (NPP)#PrimeMorning pic.twitter.com/YD2LIM3TPV

— Joy Prime (@JoyPrimeTV) January 12, 2026