…Admits concern over cousin’s “fate”, but denies seeking ‘safe passage’

Former President Nana Akufo-Addo, yesterday issued one of the most contradictory statements since leaving office, while speaking about Ken Ofori-Atta and efforts to have him return to Ghana to face allegations stemming from his nearly eight years at the Ministry of Finance.

The unsigned statement, allegedly issued by the Office of the Former President, confirmed parts of The Herald’s Monday publication that said he was distressed by the matters surrounding his cousin, Mr Ofori-Atta, which had kept him stuck in America since January this year, when he left for medical treatment.

Notably, the statement, which extolled Akufo-Addo as a “firm” believer in the rule of law, did not call for Mr Ofori-Atta’s return to Ghana, nor did it suggest that the government should assist the OSP in extraditing him to face the criminal charges filed against him.

The ex-President was responding to The Herald’s revelations that he was considering seeking an audience with President John Dramani Mahama to arrange “safe passage” for Mr Ofori-Atta to return to Ghana without being arrested at Kotoka International Airport and detained.

In the unsigned statement, Akufo-Addo categorically denied any interest in arranging “safe passage” but simultaneously admitted that “the fate of Mr Ofori-Atta is of considerable concern to the Former President.”

The ex-Finance Minister has remained in the United States for several months, reportedly ignoring multiple invitations, including summonses from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), and was later placed on an Interpol Red Alert directing his return to Ghana.

Mr Ofori-Atta left Ghana on 2 January 2025, officially for medical treatment abroad. Despite being directed to appear in person at the OSP on 10 February 2025, he failed to comply, prompting the OSP to declare him a wanted person and fugitive.

His legal representatives later informed the OSP that he intended to return between 14 and 30 May 2025, following medical treatment.

However, he did not return within that timeframe, and the OSP reinstated his wanted status. As of the latest reports, there has been no confirmed, documented return by Mr Ofori-Atta to face the investigations, despite the deadlines and planned timelines.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor has alleged that Mr Ofori-Atta was involved in an improper agreement between Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and has consequently initiated proceedings against him in absentia.

The statement emphasised Akufo-Addo’s commitment to democratic principles, noting: “As a firm believer in democratic tenets, Nana Akufo-Addo’s fidelity to the Rule of Law has never been in question.”

“It is true that the fate of Mr Ofori-Atta is of considerable concern to the Former President because, after all, apart from being his cousin, he served as Minister for Finance throughout both governments of his mandate. But that concern does not extend to interfering with the rule of law. Hopefully, this sets the record straight on this matter.”

“The attention of the Office of the Former President of the Republic, Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has been brought to a publication by The Herald, which has subsequently been reported by other media outlets,” the statement read.

“The publication claimed that the former President is ‘considering approaching President John Dramani Mahama to seek assurances of safe passage for Ofori-Atta.’ The Office wishes to state emphatically that this publication is utterly false. It is a total fabrication. The Office further states that Nana Akufo-Addo has neither contemplated such action nor expressly or impliedly made any request or representation to President Mahama, his agents, or assigns.

“The Office also demands that the errant publications reproduce this rejoinder in accordance with the former President’s rights.”

Last week, five persons, including an entity, who were arraigned over the alleged Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) scandal, were granted bail by an Accra High Court.

The accused, Emmanuel Kofi Nti, 66, former Commissioner-General, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA); Isaac Crentsil, 63, former Commissioner at GRA; Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, former Commissioner-General of GRA; and Evans Adusei, Chief Executive Officer of SML, were each granted bail in the sum of GH¢50 million with two sureties to be justified.

Justice Francis Aponga Achibonga ordered that they deposit their passports or any international travel documents at the Court Registry. They are also required to report to the lead investigator at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) weekly.

The Herald, on Monday, 15 December 2025, reported that the former President was deeply distressed by the growing controversy surrounding his cousin and former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, over matters arising from his nearly 8-year tenure at the Finance Ministry.

The ex-President is demanding a special passage when the man once regarded as a financial wizard arrives at Kotoka International Airport to confront his many skeletons.

According to sources, the former President wants Mr Ofori-Atta, who has been in the US since January this year, on claims of a medical condition related to his kidney, to immediately return to Ghana to personally address the allegations, particularly those being pursued by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

Insiders say Mr Akufo-Addo believes the ongoing allegations are tarnishing the family name and undermining the legacy of his administration, and insists that his cousin should return home to face the law and prove his innocence.

Family sources further reveal that the former President has been shocked and even embarrassed by reports alleging procurement breaches, abuse of public office, and violations of procurement and criminal laws, potentially involving substantial sums of public funds and irregular state contracts.

Despite the controversy, the former President is seeking “a safe passage” for Mr Ofori-Atta upon his return to Ghana from the United States, with no state action to publicly humiliate him by arresting and detaining him upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport.

Interestingly, The Herald understands that Mr Ofori-Atta remains in frequent contact with family and close associates and continues to oversee his private business interests, including Enterprise Insurance, Transition Funeral Home, and Databank Financial Services, among others.

Sources close to the matter indicate that former President Akufo-Addo is considering approaching President John Dramani Mahama to seek assurances of Mr Ofori-Atta’s “safe passage”.

However, Jubilee House insiders tell The Herald that although President Mahama has not yet been approached, he firmly believes the law must be allowed to take its full course and is therefore unwilling to enter into any arrangement with the former President regarding his cousin.

The President opposes granting the sought “safe passage.”

Additionally, some officials in the Mahama administration hold that Mr Ofori-Atta must first account for, and, where necessary, refund, any state funds allegedly acquired during his tenure before any discussions can be held about his return or the possibility of leniency.