Accra, Ghana – Members of pressure group Arise Ghana on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, staged a protest outside the United States Embassy in Accra, calling for the return of former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, to Ghana to face what they describe as justice for his stewardship.
The demonstrators urged U.S. authorities to cooperate with Ghanaian institutions to ensure Mr. Ofori-Atta’s return, insisting that no former public official should be allowed to avoid accountability. According to the group, the protest was intended to draw international attention to their demand that the former minister answer to allegations related to his time in office.
Protesters held placards with messages including “Let Ofori-Atta Face Justice,” “Ken Is Needed in Ghana,” and “Bring Ken,” while others wore branded T-shirts bearing similar inscriptions. The group maintained a peaceful presence outside the embassy under police supervision.
Speaking to journalists, Bernard Monah, a member of Arise Ghana and a stalwart of the People’s National Convention (PNC), said the group was prepared to sustain the protest until concrete steps are taken to facilitate Mr. Ofori-Atta’s return.
“This action will continue until U.S. authorities act,” Mr. Monah said. “We believe Ken Ofori-Atta is deliberately avoiding Ghana. He left the country on health grounds, but he is no longer ill and has chosen not to return.”
He further alleged that the former minister had overstayed his visitor visa in the United States and had taken steps to regularise his stay there, which he claimed showed a lack of intention to return to Ghana voluntarily.
Mr. Monah explained that the group had initially planned an indefinite demonstration but reached an understanding with the police. Under the arrangement, protesters will picket daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for two weeks, after which they may escalate the action to an overnight protest if their demands remain unmet.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ofori-Atta is expected to appear before a U.S. court on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in connection with alleged immigration violations.
Officials of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have reportedly indicated that the former finance minister overstayed his visitor visa, resulting in the loss of his legal status to remain in the United States.
Observers say the court proceedings could determine the next steps, including whether extradition processes to Ghana may be initiated.