“Health Is No Excuse to Mock” – Martin Amidu Hits Back at Kissi Agyebeng’s Doubts on Ofori-Atta’s Cancer

Former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu has criticized his successor, Kissi Agyebeng, over remarks made concerning the health condition of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta amid corruption allegations as reported by Ghana Web.

The controversy follows Agyebeng’s announcement that Ofori-Atta, declared wanted for multiple corruption-related cases, had informed the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) through his lawyer that he was battling cancer.

While acknowledging the diagnosis, Agyebeng expressed doubts about the legitimacy of the illness, implying it might be a tactic to avoid prosecution.

Amidu condemned this approach, describing it as insensitive and disrespectful. In an editorial, he warned against mocking the sick, emphasizing the need for compassion.

On a historical precedent, Amidu recalled how former Chief Justice I.K. Abban once belittled another justice’s struggle with prostate cancer, only to succumb to the same illness shortly thereafter.

“Justice Abban… also developed prostate cancer and died twelve days after being blackmailed to voluntarily retire,” Amidu stated, using the example to caution against disparaging those facing serious health challenges.

The former Attorney General urged Agyebeng to refrain from making derogatory comments about people’s illnesses, stressing that health issues should not become ammunition in legal or political disputes.