The Office of Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has firmly denied reports suggesting that he is attempting to contact President John Dramani Mahama to seek clemency for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
In response to recent media claims that the former President is “considering approaching President John Dramani Mahama to seek assurances of safe passage for Ofori-Atta,” the Office described the reports as “utterly false” and a “total fabrication.”
The statement clarified that Nana Akufo-Addo has “neither contemplated such an action nor expressly or impliedly made any request or representation to President John Dramani Mahama, his agents, or assigns.”
While acknowledging that the welfare of Ken Ofori-Atta—who is the former President’s cousin—is “of considerable concern” to him, the Office emphasised that this concern does not translate into any attempt to “interfere with the rule of law.”
The statement further reaffirmed the former President’s commitment to democratic values, stressing that his “fidelity to the rule of law has never been in question.”
Ken Ofori-Atta has been formally charged in connection with alleged corruption-related offences, marking a significant development in Ghana’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts.
According to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), the charges stem from decisions and transactions undertaken during his tenure as Finance Minister.
Prosecutors alleged that the actions in question resulted in financial loss to the state and breached established public financial management laws. The specific counts include abuse of office and related offences under Ghanaian law.
The case has generated strong public interest due to Ofori-Atta’s prominent role in the previous administration and his close family relationship with former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
As developments unfold, Ofori-Atta’s case remains a flashpoint fueling broader conversations about governance, transparency, and the ability of state institutions to uphold the rule of law.
OSP investigating Ken Ofori-Atta over five key issues
The Special Prosecutor’s office is probing Ofori-Atta in connection with five major investigations:
- Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Assurance: Examining the contractual relationship between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
- Electricity Company Contract termination: Investigating the abrupt cancellation of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC).
- National Cathedral Project: Reviewing procurement procedures and financial transactions related to the controversial National Cathedral project.
- Ambulance Procurement Scandal: Scrutinising a Ministry of Health deal with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase and maintenance of 307 ambulances.
- GRA Tax P-Fund Management: Investigating the handling and disbursement of funds from the GRA’s Tax P-Fund Account.
