A leading neurosurgeon at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Habi Mohammed Abdullah, has raised critical questions about the authenticity and consistency of medical letters allegedly issued by the Mayo Clinic in the United States concerning the health of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
In an interview aired on JoyNews on Saturday, June 7, 2025, Dr. Abdullah scrutinised the content of two separate letters which have been circulating in the public domain. These letters purportedly confirm that Mr. Ofori-Atta is undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.
However, Dr. Abdullah expressed concerns about contradictions between the two documents, particularly regarding the timeline and type of medical procedures described. According to him, the first letter suggested that Mr. Ofori-Atta was scheduled for surgery as early as March 2025, while the second letter indicated that he only underwent an MRI-guided biopsy, a procedure typically done to confirm a diagnosis, not to treat the disease.
“From the two letters that I’ve seen, it was clear that as at March, he would be undergoing surgery. So, it’s very difficult to reconcile the two letters because the second letter now says that they had to undergo MRI-guided biopsy. So, it means as at that time, no diagnosis had been made unless Mayo wants to send that information that the biopsy was the surgery that they were talking about,” Dr. Abdullah said.
He went further to clarify the nature of the MRI-guided biopsy, pointing out that it is a relatively simple procedure that is routinely done as a day case in Ghanaian hospitals, including at Korle-Bu.
“Biopsies are done as a day activity. In Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, it is done on the ward, and the patient goes home the same day. Some even do it in the clinics. So, it’s very difficult to reconcile the two letters,” he stated.
Dr. Abdullah stressed that such a biopsy is not a curative surgery, but rather a diagnostic procedure to confirm the presence of cancerous cells in the prostate. He added that the procedure mentioned in the letter is not unique to the U.S. and can be easily and effectively carried out in multiple hospitals across Ghana that have functional urological departments.
“This is what we do in Korle-Bu and I’m sure in many, many hospitals across the country where urological services are available,” he emphasized.
He also addressed the broader implications of the situation, suggesting that the decision to undergo such procedures abroad often stems from personal preference, not medical necessity.
“The procedure can be done here. But if the patient prefers to have it abroad, that’s a personal choice,” he noted.
Dr. Abdullah’s comments come amid growing public interest and debate surrounding Mr. Ofori-Atta’s current health status, particularly given his previous high-profile role in government. The letters in question have generated widespread discussion on social media and in the press, with critics questioning the transparency of public figures when it comes to issues of health and medical treatment abroad.
While Dr. Abdullah refrained from making any direct accusations, his expert medical opinion underscores the need for clarity, consistency, and honesty when public officials disclose information about their health, especially when they are accessing state or public resources.
As of now, there has been no official response from Mr. Ofori-Atta or his representatives regarding the surgeon’s comments or the discrepancies in the letters. The Mayo Clinic has also not publicly commented on the authenticity of the documents.
The situation continues to draw attention, with calls for greater accountability in medical reporting related to high-ranking political figures and more investment in strengthening local healthcare capacity to reduce dependency on foreign medical institutions.
Watch a video of his remarks below:
