Akufo-Addo denies seeking safe passage for Ofori-Atta, rejects Herald report

Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has firmly denied claims that he is attempting to lobby President John Dramani Mahama or his associates for assurances to facilitate the safe return of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to Ghana.

Responding to a publication by The Herald Ghana, the former President described the report as completely false, insisting that he has neither contemplated nor made any direct or indirect request to President Mahama, his representatives, or any intermediaries regarding Mr Ofori-Atta’s situation.

In a formal rejoinder dated December 16, 2025, and shared on his official social media platforms, Akufo-Addo’s office dismissed the report as a fabrication without factual basis.

“The Office wishes to state emphatically that this publication is utterly false. It is a total fabrication by the supposed source,” the statement said.

According to the former President, while he remains personally concerned about Mr Ofori-Atta due to their family relationship and the latter’s service as Finance Minister under his administration, such concern does not extend to interfering with due process or attempting to influence legal proceedings.

He stressed that at no point has he sought, expressly or impliedly, to secure any form of assurance or protection for Mr Ofori-Atta from the current government.

The statement further highlighted Akufo-Addo’s long-standing record of respect for democratic principles, noting that his commitment to the rule of law has always been consistent and unquestionable.

The Herald Ghana had alleged that the former President was considering approaching President Mahama to request safe passage for Mr Ofori-Atta upon his return to Ghana. This claim has now been categorically rejected by Akufo-Addo.

Mr Ofori-Atta is currently facing multiple charges brought by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), including conspiracy to commit criminal offences, influencing procurement processes, causing financial loss to the state, and using public office for personal benefit. The charges are linked to dealings involving 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. Meanwhile, the OSP has initiated extradition proceedings to secure his return to Ghana to answer the charges.

Ken Ofori-Atta served as Ghana’s Finance Minister from 2017 until early 2023, spanning the two terms of President Akufo-Addo’s administration.

Below is a copy of the statement:

REJOINDER: TROUBLED AKUFO-ADDO SEEKS MAHAMA'S AUDIENCE FOR OFORI-ATTA'S RETURN

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 Newspaper, which has been subsequently reported by other media outlets on the above subject matter.

The publication claimed that the former President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is " considering approaching President John Dramani Mahama to seek assurances of the safe passage for Ofori-Atta."

The Office wishes to state emphatically that this publication is utterly false. It is a total fabrication by the supposed source.

The Office further states that Nana Akufo-Addo has neither contemplated such a consideration nor expressly or impliedly made any such request or representation to President John Dramani Mahama, his agents) or assign(s).

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 Mr Ofori Atta being his cousin, more importantly, he was the Minister for Finance in both the governments of his mandate.

But that concern does not extend to wanting to interfere with the rule of law.

Hopefully this sets the records straight on this matter.
The Office also demands that the errant publications reproduce this rejoinder in accordance with the former President's rights.

SIGNED
Office of the Former President
H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo