Angela Ofori-Atta, the wife of Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has broken her silence over recent allegations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), firmly denying that her husband is avoiding accountability.
In a passionate defense in an interview on Sunday, June 16, Mrs. Ofori-Atta stated that the image being portrayed of her husband by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng is misleading and unfair, especially given his current health condition. “The Ken that we all know does not run away from accountability,” she said. “This is not a Ken who hides. He has previously engaged CHRAJ and other institutions whenever questions were raised about his conduct.”
Her comments came in response to an announcement made by Mr. Agyebeng during a press conference on June 2, where he declared Mr. Ofori-Atta “wanted” for failing to appear before the OSP as scheduled. According to the Special Prosecutor, Mr. Ofori-Atta had committed to appearing that morning but failed to show up hours past the agreed time, prompting the OSP to issue another warrant.
“Illness is not a shield from accountability—unless certified as incapacitating,” the Special Prosecutor said during the press briefing, further accusing the former Minister of failing to cooperate with ongoing investigations.
But Mrs. Ofori-Atta countered that her husband, who has been battling cancer, is not refusing to appear out of defiance but out of necessity. She revealed that the past year has been spent focusing on his treatment and recovery, which the family views as a priority.
“It’s amazing that we’ve had to deal with cancer in the last year. This is the only process by which we can hopefully ensure that it doesn’t spread,” she stated. “If I have to make the choice again, I will still choose his health. No wife or family sends a loved one undergoing treatment to a probe.”
She also questioned why the Special Prosecutor has rejected offers for her husband to respond virtually, through a video call or legal representation. “Even in his current state, Ken has suggested video conferencing so that he doesn’t delay the investigation,” she said. “He has offered to answer questions via his lawyers, provide documents, or even record his statements remotely—but these have been dismissed.”
The Office of the Special Prosecutor is investigating Ken Ofori-Atta in connection with five significant matters from his tenure as Finance Minister under President Nana Akufo-Addo. These include:
Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Assurance: Scrutiny of contracts between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Electricity Company of Ghana Contract Termination: Investigation into the cancellation of a deal with Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC).
National Cathedral Project: Examination of procurement procedures and financial transactions related to the controversial religious infrastructure project.
Ambulance Procurement: Inquiry into a Ministry of Health contract with Service Ghana Auto Group for 307 ambulances.
GRA Tax P-Fund Management: Allegations surrounding the disbursement of funds from the Ghana Revenue Authority’s Tax P-Fund Account.
These investigations form part of a broader effort by the Special Prosecutor to tackle suspected financial irregularities and abuse of office involving high-profile figures from the previous administration.
Mrs. Ofori-Atta’s remarks have sparked a broader conversation on the balance between justice and compassion, especially when health concerns are at play. While many Ghanaians support the fight against corruption, others are now questioning the tone and tactics being used by the OSP in cases involving serious illness.
The former Minister has not publicly commented on the matter since his declaration as “wanted,” but his wife insists he remains committed to transparency and accountability — just not at the cost of his life.