The Office of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has firmly rejected reports suggesting that he is considering approaching President John Dramani Mahama to seek assurances for the return or “safe passage” of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, describing the publication as false and entirely fabricated.
In a rejoinder dated December 16, 2025, and signed by the Office of the Former President, the statement said its attention had been drawn to a report published by the Herald newspaper and subsequently circulated by other media outlets. The report alleged that the former President was “troubled” and was contemplating engaging President Mahama over the fate of Ofori-Atta.
The Office categorically denied the claim, stressing that no such consideration had ever been made. It stated that Nana Akufo-Addo has neither contemplated nor initiated any request, whether directly or indirectly, to President Mahama, his representatives, or associates regarding Ofori-Atta.
According to the statement, the publication was “utterly false” and amounted to a complete fabrication attributed to a so-called source. The rejoinder emphasised that the former President’s record and personal convictions remain firmly anchored in democratic principles and respect for the rule of law.
It maintained that Nana Akufo-Addo’s commitment to constitutional governance has never been in doubt and that he would not act in a manner that undermines due process or judicial independence. While dismissing the central allegation, the Office acknowledged that the situation surrounding Ken Ofori-Atta is naturally of concern to the former President.
It explained that this concern arises not only from their family relationship, as Ofori-Atta is his cousin, but also from the fact that he served as Finance Minister throughout both terms of Nana Akufo-Addo’s presidency. However, the Office was careful to draw a clear line between personal concern and any attempt to interfere with legal processes.
Commitment to the Rule of Law
According to the statement, that concern “does not extend to wanting to interfere with the rule of law,” underscoring that any matters involving Ofori-Atta must be addressed strictly within the bounds of established legal and constitutional procedures.
The Office said the clarification was necessary to set the record straight and prevent the spread of misinformation that could mislead the public and distort the former President’s position.
The rejoinder further demanded that all media houses that carried the original publication reproduce the response in line with the former President’s rights. This, the Office said, was essential to ensure fairness and accuracy in public discourse, especially on matters involving the integrity and reputation of a former head of state.
The report being denied comes against the backdrop of heightened public interest in accountability and governance following the change of administration in January 2025.
As Ghana continues to navigate questions of accountability relating to officials of the previous government, reports concerning alleged political interventions have attracted strong public reactions and scrutiny.
For the Office of the Former President, however, the attempt to link Nana Akufo-Addo to any behind-the-scenes engagement with President Mahama represents a mischaracterisation of his stance.
Guided by Constitutionalism
The statement sought to reaffirm that the former President remains guided by constitutionalism, even in matters involving individuals who worked closely with him during his tenure.
The rejoinder also reflects a broader sensitivity within Ghana’s political environment, where claims of political interference in judicial or investigative processes are often met with sharp responses.
By issuing a categorical denial, the Office aimed to distance Nana Akufo-Addo from any narrative suggesting undue influence or attempts to shield former officials from lawful scrutiny.
The firm tone of the statement signals the former President’s intention to uphold his personal principles as a leader who has consistently defended democratic norms. It also highlights the continuing relevance of former presidents in national political conversations, even after they have left office.
As the matter stands, the Office of Nana Akufo-Addo insists that the claims attributed to unnamed sources are baseless and should be treated as misinformation. It reiterated that respect for the rule of law remains paramount and that any suggestion to the contrary misrepresents both the former President’s character and his long-held political values.
With the rejoinder now on record, attention is likely to turn to whether the media outlets involved will publish the response as demanded, and how the episode will shape ongoing public debate about accountability, governance, and the responsibilities of political actors in Ghana’s post-transition period.
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