Don’t use ill health to evade justice – Nana Yaa Jantuah to Ofori-Atta

A former presidential staffer, Nana Yaa Jantuah, has urged the state to prevent former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta from using his ill health as an excuse to delay his return to Ghana for questioning by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). Ofori-Atta is currently seeking medical treatment in the United States after being declared a suspect in four high-profile corruption investigations, including cases related to the National Cathedral project and Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML).

According to reports, Ofori-Atta’s declaration as a suspect by the OSP is in connection with four high-profile corruption investigations. Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated that Ofori-Atta is now a wanted person and must return to Ghana immediately to face questioning.

“I believe we have an extradition treaty with the US, so Ken Ofori-Atta can be brought back to Ghana because we have hospitals here that can take care of him,” Nana Yaa Jantuah emphasized in an interview on Onua FM. She drew parallels with past cases, citing the example of Victor Selormey, a former deputy finance minister who was imprisoned despite being in poor health. “I remember Victor Selormey… was holding an oxygen tank in Nsawam Prison. I witnessed this—he was not feeling well at all. Throughout his court sessions, he was sick, yet he was not granted any consideration due to his ill health. Eventually, he died”.

Nana Yaa Jantuah also referenced the case of lawyer Tsatsu Tsikata, who was sent back to prison despite suffering an asthma attack. “So, if Ken has to answer questions, he must do so. I know of someone who was not sick but was locked up in the BNI cells in 2017… So, wherever Ken is, he should return and answer the questions.”

Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng has declared Ofori-Atta a wanted person, warning that failure to comply with the summons would result in steps being taken to compel his return. The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has confirmed that Ofori-Atta will return to Ghana after completing his medical treatment abroad.

According to Article 284 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, “a public officer shall not put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicts or is likely to conflict with the performance of the functions of his office”. This provision emphasizes the importance of accountability and transparency in public office, supporting Nana Yaa Jantuah’s call for Ofori-Atta to return to Ghana and face questioning.