Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, has described as disappointing the decision by former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to refuse a visit from him while in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Speaking on JoyNews, Ambassador Smith said he took the initiative to visit Ofori-Atta after being informed by ICE officials that no one had gone to see him at the time.
“Nobody had visited him as at the time ICE contacted me, so being a Ghanaian and also because it is our responsibility in the host country, I decided to go and visit him,” the ambassador explained.
According to him, the purpose of the visit was not personal but official and humanitarian, to hear directly from the former minister and determine whether there were concerns the Ghanaian mission could help address.
“I wanted to hear him out, to find out if he had any concerns so that we could try and assist,” he said.
Ambassador Smith noted that although Ofori-Atta may not be a close friend, they are personally acquainted, making the refusal particularly unfortunate.
“He may not be my friend, but I know him personally,” he stated.
He expressed regret over the encounter, saying the former finance minister declined to see the delegation under any circumstances.
“Shutting the door in our face and not wanting to see us under any circumstances was a bit unfortunate,” the ambassador said.
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