Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has successfully undergone prostate cancer surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, according to a statement from his wife, Prof. Angela Ofori-Atta.
The procedure, a robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, was performed on Friday, June 13, and lasted more than four hours. “The doctors are satisfied with the outcome and have now placed him on a postoperative recovery plan,” Prof. Ofori-Atta said in the statement issued on Monday, June 16.
She noted that the lead-up to the surgery was especially stressful due to a red alert issued by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) against her husband just days before the operation.
“This has been a very challenging time. Kenneth is known for his resilience, but this situation has been particularly tough,” she added, referencing the OSP’s actions.
Despite the emotional toll, she said Mr. Ofori-Atta is staying strong and focusing on his recovery. “Our family deeply appreciates the prayers and support from well-wishers and spiritual leaders,” she added.
Mr. Ofori-Atta is currently under investigation by the OSP for multiple allegations, including corruption and procurement violations during his time as Finance Minister.
Ongoing Investigations Include:
- Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Assurance: Review of contracts between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
- Termination of ECG-BXC Contract: Scrutiny of the Electricity Company of Ghana’s termination of a deal with Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology.
- National Cathedral Transactions: Examination of procurement and financial decisions related to the controversial project.
- Ambulance Procurement: Assessment of a Ministry of Health contract involving the purchase and servicing of 307 ambulances.
- Tax P-Fund Management: Investigation into the use and disbursement of GRA’s Tax P-Fund Account.
Timeline of Events:
- January 2025: OSP formally named Ofori-Atta as a suspect in five cases and summoned him for questioning on February 10.
- January 31, 2025: His legal team informed the OSP of his indefinite medical stay abroad and requested to represent him.
- February 5, 2025: OSP rejected the indefinite timeline and insisted on a firm return date by February 10.
- February 10, 2025: Lawyers submitted a medical note stating possible surgery but without a confirmed return date.
- February 12, 2025: With no clear cooperation, the OSP labeled him a fugitive and activated an arrest warrant.
- February 18, 2025: Ofori-Atta assured the OSP of his return in May, leading to the removal of his name from the wanted list.
Legal Response:
- March 2025: Ofori-Atta sued the OSP and the Special Prosecutor, claiming unlawful treatment and demanding the removal of related public notices and posts.
- March 28, 2025: The Human Rights Court heard a request to bar the OSP from issuing future red alerts against him.
