Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C. has disclosed that former Finance Minister, Mr. Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, declined any form of consular assistance, insisting on the presence of his lawyers before engaging with embassy officials.
A statement released on Saturday, January 10, and signed by Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Smith, said the embassy moved swiftly to verify the circumstances surrounding the detention after becoming aware of the development.
Excerpts of the statement indicated, “Upon receiving this information, the Embassy undertook the necessary steps to verify the circumstances surrounding the matter.”
Confirming the detention of Mr. Ofori-Atta by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Ghana’s embassy said it officially made contacts with the relevant detention facility to request access to Mr. Ofori-Atta to provide consular assistance, in line with established diplomatic practice and international conventions, including the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, which guarantees detained foreign nationals the right to consular access.
However, embassy officials were informed by authorities at the detention facility that Mr. Ofori-Atta declined to engage with consular officers at that time, stating that he would only do so in the presence of his legal representatives.
“The Embassy was informed by the facility that the detainee declined to engage with consular officials without his lawyers present,” the statement said.
According to the embassy, the decision was Mr. Ofori-Atta’s personal choice and did not amount to a denial of access by US authorities, further adding that the mission remains in active contact with the appropriate United States authorities and is closely monitoring developments to ensure that the former minister’s rights and welfare are fully respected throughout the process.
“The Embassy of Ghana remains in contact with the appropriate United States authorities and will continue to follow the matter closely to ensure that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s rights are totally respected,” the statement assured.
