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Embattled former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, is scheduled to appear before a United States (US) immigration court on Tuesday, January 19, 2026, as authorities determine whether he should be deported to Ghana or allowed to remain in the US.
Ofori-Atta is currently in detention under the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following his arrest, a development that has drawn widespread public and political attention in Ghana.
Only 0.6% Chance of Remaining in the US – Immigration Lawyer
According to US-based immigration lawyer Jonelle Ocloo, individuals detained by ICE have extremely slim chances of avoiding deportation.
She explained that Ofori-Atta falls within the 0.6% of detainees who may be allowed to remain in the US after arrest by ICE, a statistic that underscores the difficulty of his legal situation.
However, she noted that the former finance minister’s prospects may be improved due to the high-profile legal team he has assembled.
John Ashcroft’s Involvement Could Prolong the Case
One key factor potentially strengthening Ofori-Atta’s defence is the involvement of John Ashcroft, a former Attorney General of the United States.
Ghana’s Attorney General, Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has also acknowledged that Ashcroft’s legal experience and influence could significantly prolong efforts to have Ofori-Atta deported to Ghana.
Who Is John Ashcroft?
John David Ashcroft served as US Attorney General from 2001 to 2005 under President George W. Bush. He is widely known for his role in shaping US national security policy after the September 11 attacks and for helping to implement the USA Patriot Act.
Before becoming Attorney General, Ashcroft had an extensive political and legal career in the state of Missouri.
Political and Legal Career
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Assistant Attorney General of Missouri (1975–1977)
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Attorney General of Missouri (1977–1984)
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Governor of Missouri (1985–1992)
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United States Senator for Missouri (elected in 1995)
A longtime Republican, Ashcroft also played influential roles in national party politics and presidential campaigns.
Key National Roles Held by Ashcroft
According to his profile on the US Department of Justice website, Ashcroft held several prominent leadership positions, including:
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Chairman, Task Force on Adult Literacy (1991)
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Chairman, Task Force on College Quality, National Governors Association (1991)
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Chairman, Republican Governors Association (1990)
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Co-Chairman, Republican Platform Committee (1992)
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President, National Association of Attorneys General (1980–1981)
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Vice Chairman, National Governors Association (1990)
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Chairman, National Governors Association (1991–1992)
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Chairman, President’s Committee on Urban Families (1992)
Early Life and Education
John David Ashcroft was born on May 9, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois.
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Bachelor’s degree (Honours) – Yale University, 1964
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Juris Doctor (JD) – University of Chicago Law School, 1967
In 1967, Ashcroft and his wife opened a law practice in Springfield, Missouri, while he also lectured at Southwest Missouri State University before fully entering politics in 1972.
Awards and Publications
Ashcroft has received several honours, including:
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Wyman Award (1983)
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National Sheriffs’ Association Award (1996)
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Christian Statesman of the Year (1996)
He is also the author of Lessons from a Father to His Son and co-author of multiple editions of two college-level law textbooks.
President George W. Bush nominated Ashcroft as Attorney General on December 22, 2000, and he officially became the 79th US Attorney General. His resignation took effect on February 3, 2005, after four years in office.
What Happens Next for Ofori-Atta?
As Ken Ofori-Atta prepares to appear before the US immigration court, legal analysts say the outcome will largely depend on the strength of his legal arguments and the court’s assessment of his eligibility to remain in the United States.
The case continues to attract intense interest both in Ghana and abroad.
