Ghana’s Finance Minister-designate, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, was flown to the United States of America on Sunday, 14 February 2021, to seek medical treatment for post-COVID-19 complications.

“After recovering from COVID-19 last December, Mr Ofori-Atta has had medical complications, which doctors advise require further interventions not currently available in Ghana,” a statement from the Ministry of Finance said on Valentine’s Day.

“The Ministry of Finance wishes to inform the general public and stakeholders that Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, the Representative of the President at the Ministry of Finance and Minister-designate of Finance, will travel to the United States of America today, for a special medical review.

“Mr Ofori-Atta was scheduled to appear before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Tuesday, 16 February 2021. 

“The leadership of Parliament has been duly notified for a new date to be fixed upon his return,” the statement noted.

Meanwhile, some 15 more patients have succumbed to COVID-19 in Ghana.

The national death toll is now 533.

Some 718 new cases have also been confirmed, according to the Ghana Health Service.

The number of active cases is now 8,216.

Since mid-March 2020, Ghana has recorded a total of 75,836 total, 67,087 recovered

Regional breakdown

Greater Accra Region - 42,209

Ashanti Region - 13,593

Western Region - 4,442

Eastern Region - 3,252

Central Region - 2,550

Volta Region - 1,323

Bono East Region - 951

Northern Region - 827

Bono Region - 767

Upper East Region - 755

Western North Region - 747

Ahafo Region - 624

Oti Region - 257

Upper West Region - 257

Savannah Region - 68

North East Region - 42