Former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta has undergone successful surgery for prostate cancer at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, his family has confirmed.
In a statement issued by his wife, Prof. Mrs. Angela Ofori-Atta, on Monday, June 16, she disclosed that the surgery — a robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy — took place on Friday, June 13, and lasted over four hours.
“The doctors are pleased with how the procedure went and will now place him on a postoperative regime,” she stated.
Prof. Ofori-Atta described the period leading up to the operation as particularly difficult, citing the timing of a public alert issued by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) concerning her husband.
“Kenneth has always been resilient. But this has been very difficult; with the OSP choosing the period just before his surgery to declare a red alert on him,” she noted.
Despite the emotional strain, she said Mr. Ofori-Atta is “bearing up well” and remains focused on regaining his health.
“Our family is truly grateful for the support and prayers of many people and pastors,” she added.
The former Finance Minister is under investigation by the OSP for alleged corruption and procurement breaches during his tenure
Key Issues Under Investigation
Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Assurance
– Contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).Electricity Company Contract Termination
– Termination of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC).National Cathedral Project
– Procurement procedures and financial transactions related to the National Cathedral.Ambulance Procurement
– A Ministry of Health contract with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase and maintenance of 307 ambulances.GRA Tax P-Fund Management
– Handling and disbursement of funds from the Tax P-Fund Account of the GRA.
Timeline of Events
January 2025
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) officially notified Mr. Ofori-Atta that he was a suspect in five separate cases and requested his appearance on 10 February 2025.31 January 2025
His lawyers informed the OSP that he was abroad indefinitely for medical reasons and offered to represent him in his absence.5 February 2025
The OSP rejected the claim of indefinite absence and demanded a firm return date by 10 February 2025, warning of legal consequences. It also reminded that legal representatives cannot respond to criminal charges on behalf of clients.10 February 2025
His lawyers submitted a doctor’s note (not addressed to any specific party), indicating he was undergoing tests and possibly surgery, with no clear return date.12 February 2025
With no further cooperation, the OSP declared Mr. Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice, acting on an arrest warrant.18 February 2025
Mr. Ofori-Atta appealed to the OSP for removal from the ‘Wanted List’ and, for the first time, provided a definite return date in May 2025. The OSP accepted this assurance and removed his name from the list.
Legal Challenge
March 2025
Mr. Ofori-Atta filed a lawsuit against the OSP and the Special Prosecutor, seeking compensation for what he described as an unlawful declaration of him as wanted. He also requested the removal of related content from the OSP’s social media platforms.28 March 2025
The Human Rights Court heard an interim application from Mr. Ofori-Atta, asking the court to restrain the OSP from declaring him wanted again.
