Professor Ransford GyampoProfessor Ransford Gyampo has urged state institutions to handle the ongoing investigation into former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta with sensitivity, particularly in light of reports about his health.
Speaking on TV3’s Key Points programme on Saturday, June 21, Prof Gyampo stressed the need for a humane approach. “If Ofori-Atta is truly not well, let us deal with this matter in a manner that takes cognisance of the fact that he is not well,” he said.
The issue of Ofori-Atta’s whereabouts and medical condition has stirred controversy since the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) declared him wanted for failing to appear for questioning in a corruption probe. The OSP maintains that despite prior arrangements, the former minister did not honour a scheduled appearance on June 2.
Reacting to this on the same programme, Dr Joshua Zaato questioned the lack of due diligence by the OSP and state security. He insisted that verification should be possible. “National security can go to Mayo Clinic to find out if he is there,” he said, adding, “OSP should track Ofori-Atta with the location provided.” He argued that it shouldn’t come down to “a banter of words” between Ofori-Atta and the OSP when intelligence services could ascertain the facts.
Professor Gyampo further challenged the OSP to confirm whether the former minister is truly at the Mayo Clinic in the United States. “Has the OSP gone to where Mr. Ofori-Atta is and he is not there?” he asked.
Meanwhile, Ofori-Atta’s wife, Angela Ofori-Atta, has mounted a strong defence of her husband, insisting that he is not shirking accountability but is instead undergoing cancer treatment. “The Ken that we all know does not run away from accountability,” she said in a radio interview on June 16. “This is not a Ken who runs away from accountability. I ask the public to remember that he hasn’t shied away from facing up to issues.”
Her remarks came in response to a press conference by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, who stated: “It is three hours past the agreed time for Ken Ofori-Atta to attend upon the Office of the Special Prosecutor. He has failed to do so. In view of this, as stated before, I have directed that he should be placed on the wanted list again.” He added, “Illness is not a shield from accountability—unless certified as incapacitating.”
Mrs Ofori-Atta revealed that the family made a conscious decision to prioritise his recovery. “If I have to make the choice, I will make it again. I don’t know a wife or family who will send a loved one to respond to a Special Prosecutor when they are battling cancer,” she said. She also disclosed that her husband offered to be questioned via video conferencing and was willing to provide any requested documentation or responses through his legal team. “Even through these stressful times, he has always said, let me respond to you by video, it is allowed… So, I don’t understand what is going on,” she said.
The OSP is investigating Ofori-Atta in relation to five major cases involving revenue management, procurement decisions, and the use of public funds during his tenure as Finance Minister under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. As tensions rise, calls are growing for transparency, fairness, and compassion in handling what has become one of the most closely watched anti-corruption probes in recent times.
