Angela Ofori-Atta, wife of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, has denied claims made by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng that her husband is avoiding accountability by not appearing before his office.
She stated that Ken Ofori-Atta is not someone who evades responsibility. “The Ken we know has always faced accountability. He has appeared before the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to discuss his work. He is not the type to run away from accountability. I urge the public to remember that he has never avoided addressing issues,” she said on June 16.
Her remarks came in response to Mr. Agyebeng’s announcement during a June 2 press briefing, where he declared Ken Ofori-Atta wanted again for failing to keep an earlier commitment to appear before the Special Prosecutor’s office.
“It is now three hours past the agreed time for Ken Ofori-Atta to report to the Office of the Special Prosecutor, but he has not done so. Consequently, as previously stated, I have ordered that he be placed back on the wanted list,” Agyebeng stated.
He stated that “Illness does not exempt anyone from accountability—unless it is officially certified as incapacitating.”
In response, Mrs. Ofori-Atta remarked, “It’s unfortunate that we had to face cancer last year. This is the only way we hope to prevent it from spreading.”
“If I had to make the choice again, I would do the same. I don’t know any wife or family who would send a loved one to face the Special Prosecutor while battling cancer. So, I’m sorry, but this is the reality we have to deal with—we need to focus on his recovery,” she explained on Joy FM on June 16.
Mrs. Ofori-Atta also questioned why the Special Prosecutor has refused to question her husband via video conference.
Mrs. Ofori-Atta said, “Even during these difficult times, he has consistently offered to respond via video call, which is permitted, so he doesn’t cause any delays in your investigations. He has also mentioned that any questions can be directed to his lawyers, and they will provide answers. We’re willing to share any information needed, so I don’t understand what the issue is.”
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is investigating Mr. Ofori-Atta over five major cases related to his time in office under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. These investigations focus on:
Key Issues Under Investigation:
Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Assurance: Contractual dealings between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Electricity Company Contract Termination: The cancellation of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC).
National Cathedral Project: Procurement processes and financial dealings 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.
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