Ken Ofori-Atta’s cancer surgery lasted over four hours

Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has successfully undergone prostate cancer surgery in the United States, according to a statement released by his wife, Professor Angela Ofori-Atta.

The surgery, a robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, took place on Friday, June 13, 2025, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The procedure reportedly lasted over four hours.

“The doctors are pleased with how the procedure went and will now place him on a postoperative regime,” Prof. Ofori-Atta said in her statement.

She added that despite the emotional stress the diagnosis and treatment have brought, her husband is recovering well and is focused on regaining his strength.

“Our family is truly grateful for the support and prayers of many people and pastors,” she added.

This confirmation sheds light on Mr. Ofori-Atta’s absence from recent legal proceedings in Ghana. He is under investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for alleged corruption and procurement breaches during his time in office between 2017 and 2024.

The OSP had earlier declared him a fugitive in February 2025 after he failed to respond to multiple summons. That status was later lifted temporarily after his legal team promised he would appear for questioning on June 2, 2025. However, he failed to show up, prompting the OSP to renew the wanted notice.

On June 2, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng told the media that Ofori-Atta’s lawyers had cited a cancer diagnosis and an upcoming procedure in a letter dated May 28. While acknowledging the health concerns, the OSP argued that the documents submitted were not sufficient to excuse his continued absence.

Mr. Ofori-Atta is being investigated in relation to the controversial Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) contract and the financing of the stalled National Cathedral project.