Ken Ofori-Atta diagnosed with cancer

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has revealed that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been diagnosed with cancer—a development that his legal team says has hindered his ability to return to Ghana for questioning.

At a press briefing on Monday, June 2, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng confirmed that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s lawyers had submitted a letter dated May 28, 2025, informing the office of his diagnosis.

The letter also stated that treatment was scheduled to begin on June 13, 2025.

Despite the medical update, the OSP insists the excuse is not enough to justify Mr. Ofori-Atta’s continued absence from its proceedings.

“By a letter dated 28 May 2025, Mr. Ofori-Atta’s lawyer informed the Special Prosecutor that a medical expert has diagnosed Mr. Ofori-Atta with cancer and has earmarked 13th June 2025 for treatment, for which reason he will be unable to return to the jurisdiction as scheduled. His lawyers stated that, to the knowledge of the OSP, this change in circumstance has been brought to the attention of the court before,” he said.

He further rejected a proposal from Mr. Ofori-Atta’s lawyers requesting that the former minister be allowed to give a caution statement virtually.

“Legal representation is no substitute for the personal attendance of a suspect in a criminal investigation,” Mr. Agyebeng emphasised.

Mr. Ofori-Atta, who served as Finance Minister from 2017 to 2024, is under investigation for his involvement in several high-profile corruption-related cases.

These include the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) revenue assurance contract and financial dealings surrounding the construction of the National Cathedral.

The former minister was previously declared a fugitive by the OSP in February 2025 after failing to appear for questioning. That designation was lifted temporarily when his legal team assured the OSP he would report on June 2.

However, with that date now passed and no appearance made, the OSP has once again declared him wanted.

While his health condition introduces a new layer of complexity to the legal proceedings, the OSP is maintaining its position that due process must be followed.