By Francis Kobena Tandoh
Former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has declined to engage officials from Ghana’s Embassy in the United States of America (USA), according to a statement late Saturday.
The statement, signed by Ambassador Victor Emmanuel Smith, Ghana’s Ambassador to the USA, observed that his outfit contacted the relevant detention facility to offer assistance to Mr. Ofori-Atta; however, the detainee declined meeting them without his lawyers.
“The Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC, can confirm that Ghana’s former Minister for Finance, Mr. Ken Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, has been taken into custody by Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) in the United States. Upon receiving this information, the Embassy undertook the necessary steps to verify the circumstances surrounding the matter,” read the statement.
“Following confirmation, the Embassy formally contacted the relevant detention facility to request access to Mr. Ofori-Atta in order to provide consular assistance in line with established diplomatic and international protocols. The Embassy was informed by the facility that the detainee declined to engage with consular officials at the time without his lawyers,” added the statement.
The Ghanaian Embassy assured the public it will contact the appropriate U. S. authorities to ensure the rights of the country’s former Finance Minister are respected. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
Find the statement issued by the Embassy of Ghana in Washington DC below;
