The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has disclosed that former Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been diagnosed with cancer, a development communicated by his legal team in response to a recent summons by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, June 2, Mr Agyebeng confirmed that the diagnosis was contained in a letter submitted by Mr Ofori-Atta’s lawyers on 28 May 2025.

The letter, according to the Special Prosecutor, informed the OSP that the former Finance Minister had been diagnosed with cancer and was scheduled to begin treatment on 13 June 2025, thereby rendering him unable to return to Ghana as previously scheduled.

“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,” Agyebeng stated.

However, the OSP maintains that this justification does not sufficiently excuse Mr Ofori-Atta’s continued absence. According to Mr Agyebeng, while the diagnosis has been noted, no medical report confirming the health status has been formally submitted to his office to support the claim.

“His lawyers stated that, to the knowledge of the OSP, this change in circumstance has been brought to the attention of the court before,” the Special Prosecutor added, pointing out that the office is yet to be furnished with verifiable medical documentation.

In light of the situation, Mr Ofori-Atta has once again been declared a wanted person and a fugitive from justice for failing to comply with a directive to appear in person for questioning. Mr Agyebeng stressed that the former minister’s absence is part of what the OSP considers to be selective cooperation, which the office will not tolerate.

“We want him here physically, and we insist on it,” the Special Prosecutor stated. “A suspect in a criminal investigation does not pick and choose how the investigative body conducts its investigations and the methods suitable to him and his convenience. We will not countenance this conduct, not in this case.”

Mr Ofori-Atta is currently under investigation for alleged financial improprieties during his tenure as Finance Minister.