Presidential staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah has accused former Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta of tarnishing the image of Christianity.

According to her, while he often projected a devout Christian persona, his conduct and financial dealings particularly surrounding the National Cathedral project were in stark contrast to the values he publicly upheld.

Speaking in an interview on TV3, monitored by GhanaWeb on Monday, February 17, 2025, she lamented what she described as hypocrisy in Ofori-Atta’s leadership, citing his financial decisions and the controversy surrounding the stalled National Cathedral project.

"Ken Ofori-Atta has tainted the holy words of the Bible. He has made a mockery of Christianity and Christ. He always came across as a pious person in his white gown, his wife's garment," she stated.

Nana Yaa Jantuah also questioned why the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) had not acted earlier regarding financial allegations against Ofori-Atta.

"I am surprised that at the time, the OSP did not take any action. But you see, better late than never. His duty was to be an independent institution, and I expected him to act back then. But now, everyone has found their voice," she said.

She suggested that a shift in leadership had emboldened people to speak freely about past financial mismanagement, implying that fear previously prevented such discussions.

"Because today, you hear everybody speaking. People ran away, they hid in their closets. The women even did better as the men ran away; they were afraid," she added.

Referring to the National Cathedral project, she described it as a blatant case of corruption.

"That money has been spent; $58 million and more. Even the demolition of houses, how much did that cost? Adjaye's fees, which made no sense. I always said that this is a National Cathedral. Couldn't we have put together Christian architects who would have done it for free?" she quizzed.

She alleged that Ofori-Atta exploited the National Cathedral project for financial gain.

"He smelled money, yes, and he went after it. Look at the books, running with the loans. He ran this country down for his own personal gain," she asserted.

Nana Yaa Jantuah further accused the former finance minister of ensuring that all financial paperwork passed through him, allowing him to secure his share of funds even before loans arrived in the country.

"He knew that anytime he went to the market to borrow, he could position himself. He was the one who ensured that all the paperwork was done and he took his percentage even before the money arrived," she alleged.

She emphasized that even members of Ofori-Atta's own political party had called for his removal, but the administration at the time refused to act.

"He's done so much, and even his own party members wanted him out," she added.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) recently declared Ken Ofori-Atta a wanted fugitive.

At a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng disclosed that all indications suggest Ofori-Atta has absconded from Ghana to evade investigations into alleged corruption.

He stated that Ofori-Atta has two choices; either return to the jurisdiction voluntarily or face the consequences.

The former finance minister is under investigation regarding contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for revenue assurance in the petroleum and minerals sectors.

Another investigation concerns the termination of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Beijing Technology Limited for distribution loss reduction and network improvement.

He is also being investigated over procurement, payments, and activities related to the controversial National Cathedral project.

Additionally, he has been linked to contracts awarded by the Ministry of Health initially through the Ministry for Special Development Initiatives to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase and maintenance of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 305 CDI ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.

Furthermore, the OSP is examining payments made from and the utilization of the Ghana Revenue Authority’s tax refund account.

Following these allegations, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng has demanded Ofori-Atta’s immediate return to Ghana to face investigations.

JKB/MA

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