‘Ofori-Atta is not sick as claimed; he’s been enjoying himself in US’ — Solomon Owusu

The Director of Communications for the United Party (UP), Solomon Owusu, has challenged claims that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is in the United States for medical treatment.

Ofori-Atta reportedly left Ghana on January 5, 2025, to seek medical care abroad, allegedly for cancer.

He is facing 78 corruption and corruption-related charges filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

The embattled former minister was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on January 6, 2026, over the status of his stay.

Speaking on Accra-based JoyPrime on Monday, January 12, Owusu questioned the authenticity of Ofori-Atta’s medical claims, noting that the former minister was arrested at a private residence rather than a hospital.

“When they arrested Ken, was he in the hospital bed? None of these. He has been chilling in a very cozy area. He lives in a very expensive area,” Owusu said.

He also argued that illness does not exempt anyone from facing criminal proceedings.

“Even if you are sick, there is no law that says that if you are sick you should not be prosecuted on criminal matters,” the UP communicator said and criticised Ofori-Atta for allegedly using health claims to avoid accountability for his tenure.

Meanwhile, Ofori-Atta’s lawyers explained that he has a pending petition for adjustment of status, which allows him to remain legally in the US beyond the validity of his visa.

His detention comes on the back of Ghana’s extradition request submitted by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, to the US Department of Justice.