Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni says the arrest of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was a targeted operation, not part of a general immigration sweep.
Speaking on the KeyPoints exclusively with Alfred Ocansey, Manasseh disclosed that sources who witnessed the arrest say ICE agents specifically moved in for Mr. Ofori-Atta as he exited his residence in Washington DC on the morning of Tuesday, January 6.
“This wasn’t like those organised raids by ICE in specific places. They got in specifically for him,” Mr Azure said on January 10.
According to Manasseh, the former finance minister was arrested shortly after stepping out of a luxury apartment complex known as Westlight Apartments, located at 1111 24th Street in Washington DC.
“As soon as he emerged from the entrance of the building, they moved in, surrounded him, got him into a car and drove him away.”
He said the arrest location is a high-end residential area with strong security and close proximity to key government institutions.
“This is a luxury apartment complex in the West End of Washington DC, about a 20-minute walk from the White House.”
Manasseh revealed that the apartment complex has housed prominent figures, including the immediate past Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris.
“Kamala Harris owned a two-bedroom condo in this same apartment complex.”
Following his arrest in Washington DC, Mr. Ofori-Atta was transferred to a detention facility in Virginia, where he is currently being held.
Manasseh confirmed that information from the Deputy Attorney-General indicates Mr. Ofori-Atta’s US visa was revoked in June 2025, contrary to claims that it merely expired.
“The update we got exclusively this morning is that the US visa was revoked as far back as June 2025.”
He explained that this means the former minister had been living in the United States illegally for several months prior to his detention.
“He’s been living in the US illegally for the past six months, and that is what landed him into trouble with ICE.”
Manasseh noted that this information does not necessarily contradict claims that the visa had an original expiry date of February 14, 2026, since visas can be revoked before their stated expiration.
“It is possible to have a visa with a future expiration date, but the state can still take it back.”
He added that Mr. Ofori-Atta is reported to hold valid visas for the United Kingdom and Canada, with expiry dates in April and May respectively, unless those are also revoked.
The investigative journalist said the detention could make it easier for US authorities to comply with any extradition request from Ghana.
“Extradition comes with a whole lot of legal issues, but if you overstay your visa, that changes everything.”
Manasseh recalled that as far back as July 2025, he had made public information suggesting that Mr. Ofori-Atta had no intention of returning to Ghana to face accountability.
“Sources told me he had no intention of coming back home to face justice.”
He described the arrest as a significant development in efforts to ensure accountability for public officials.
“If you use our money in a certain way, then it is only normal that we ask you to come down and account for your stewardship.”
Manasseh concluded that, in his view, the arrest is a positive step.
“For me, this is good news, and it makes it easier for them to bring him home to face justice like everyone else.”
By Christabel Success Treve
