Justice Abban died of prostate cancer when he mocked Justice G E K Aikins – OSP warned on Ken Ofori-Atta
Former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu has heavily criticised his successor, Kissi Agyebeng, over his recent remarks regarding former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, who has been declared wanted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in relation to several corruption-related cases.
In a strongly-worded editorial, as reported by asaaseradio.com, Amidu took issue with comments made by Agyebeng about Ofori-Atta’s reported medical condition. According to Amidu, the OSP’s comments came across as insensitive and mocked the health struggles of a sick person.
Amidu, who previously served as Attorney General and Minister of Justice, did not hold back in expressing his disappointment. He cautioned Kissi Agyebeng against making what he described as derogatory remarks about individuals who are battling illnesses.
He drew from past events to make his point, referencing a situation involving two justices, one of whom reportedly made unkind remarks about the other’s health and later suffered the same fate.
“But let Kissi Agyebeng be told that former Chief Justice I K Abban made light of Mr Justice G E K Aikins’ prostate cancer with disparaging statements about him. Justice Abban… also developed prostate cancer and died twelve days after being blackmailed to voluntarily retire,” the former Special Prosecutor is quoted to have said.
Amidu’s comments were triggered by events that unfolded on June 2, 2025, when Kissi Agyebeng declared Ken Ofori-Atta a fugitive for the second time. During his announcement, Agyebeng revealed that Ofori-Atta, through his legal representatives, had informed the OSP that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
However, Agyebeng expressed doubts about the legitimacy of this claim. He hinted that the former minister’s illness could be part of a calculated attempt to avoid facing the law. This sceptical view of Ofori-Atta’s diagnosis is what Amidu finds problematic.
According to Amidu, such remarks risk crossing ethical lines, especially when they concern someone’s health. He argued that no matter the suspicions surrounding an individual, public officials must be careful not to trivialise or mock medical conditions.
The tension between the current and former Special Prosecutors adds a new layer to the ongoing controversy surrounding Ken Ofori-Atta. The former finance minister is facing allegations of corruption and is currently being pursued by the OSP for failing to appear before the office to answer questions.
While Agyebeng believes the medical excuse could be a ploy, Amidu insists that public servants, especially those in sensitive positions like the Office of the Special Prosecutor, must uphold the highest standards of professionalism, dignity, and respect—even when dealing with suspects.
This clash between Amidu and Agyebeng is not the first time the two have disagreed publicly. Since Agyebeng’s appointment, Amidu has occasionally voiced strong criticisms of how the office is being run under his successor.
As the search for Ken Ofori-Atta continues and the controversy surrounding his diagnosis deepens, the spotlight remains firmly on the OSP, with many watching how it handles high-profile corruption cases moving forward—especially when public opinion, medical conditions, and legal obligations collide.