Claim Akufo-Addo is seeking safe passage for Ofori-Atta false — Ex-President’s office

The Office of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has dismissed reports that he is negotiating with President John Dramani Mahama to secure clemency for his cousin and former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, amid ongoing corruption charges.

The Herald Newspaper had claimed that Akufo-Addo was deeply concerned about the allegations against Ofori-Atta and intended to ensure his safe passage upon returning to Ghana.

It added that the former President feared the allegations could tarnish his family name and undermine his administration’s legacy.

In a statement dated December 16, the former President’s office described the report as “utterly false” and a “total fabrication.”

“The Office wishes to state emphatically that this publication is utterly false,” the statement said in part.

The statement further clarified that while Akufo-Addo is concerned for his cousin, he respects the rule of law and has not sought to interfere with legal processes.

“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… 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 noted.

Mr. Ofori-Atta faces severla counts of corruption charges, relating to his involvement in the controversial SML revenue assurance contract with the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Finance Ministry.

He has been declared a wanted fugitive by the Office of the Special Prosecutor and is currently out of the country for what his lawyers and family describe as medical treatment.