I Will Not Interfere With the Rule of Law – Akufo-Addo on Ken Ofori-Atta
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has firmly denied reports suggesting that he is seeking assurances from President John Dramani Mahama for the safe return of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to Ghana.
In a rejoinder dated December 16, 2025, the Office of the Former President described the publication by The Herald Ghana as “utterly false” and a “total fabrication.” The statement clarified that at no point has Nana Akufo-Addo, directly or indirectly, contemplated or made any request to President Mahama, his representatives, or associates regarding the situation of Mr Ofori-Atta.
The former President acknowledged that he remains personally concerned about Mr Ofori-Atta’s welfare, given their family relationship and the latter’s service as Finance Minister during his administration. However, the statement stressed that this concern does not extend to interfering with legal processes or undermining the rule of law.
“As a firm believer in democratic tenets, Nana Akufo-Addo’s fidelity to the rule of law has never been in question,” the rejoinder stated, adding that any suggestion to the contrary is misleading.
Reports had claimed that the former President was considering approaching President Mahama to secure guarantees for Mr Ofori-Atta’s safe passage upon his return to Ghana. These claims were categorically rejected by the Office of the Former President, which demanded that media houses that carried the story publish the rejoinder in line with his rights.
Mr Ofori-Atta, who served as Finance Minister from 2017 to early 2023, is currently facing charges brought by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). The charges include conspiracy to commit criminal offences, influencing procurement processes, causing financial loss to the state, and using public office for profit, linked to an agreement with Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).
The former Finance Minister has been in the United States since February 2025, citing medical treatment for a kidney-related condition. The OSP has since initiated extradition proceedings to secure his return to Ghana.
The statement from the former President seeks to set the record straight amid growing public debate, reaffirming his commitment to democratic governance and non-interference in judicial processes.
