Nana Bediatuo Asante, the Executive Secretary to former President Nana Akufo-Addo, has made his first public appearance since returning to Ghana, after nearly seven months abroad for medical treatment.
His reappearance occurred at the 81st birthday celebration of the former President at his Nima residence on Sunday.
Bediatuo, who had been absent from public view since October of last year, was seen holding a walking stick, indicating that he required assistance with walking. Throughout the event, he remained seated except for a brief moment captured in a group photograph with the former President and other attendees.
Known for his energetic dancing, exotic Cuban cigars, and appreciation for strong alcoholic beverages, Bediatuo, a lawyer, appeared subdued, forcing occasional smiles during the gathering. He was not with his wife, Sarah Mary Olufemi Adetola.
Prominent political figures and close associates, attended the birthday celebration, including Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, Majority Leader Alexander, Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, MP Francis Asenso-Boakye, Nana Adjoa Hackman Otchere-Darko, Minister Abu Jinapor, Kow Essuman, Edward Asomani, Ghana’sNational Security Coordinator, R. Yofi Grant formerly of GIPC, Charles Nii Teiko Tagoe, Paa Kwesi Yankey, Second Lady Samira Bawumia, and Bediatuo himself.
The Herald’s sources at THE Kotoka International Airport (KIA) captured Bediatuo’s return in the early hours of Saturday, March 8, 2025.
He was discreetly flown into the country on a chartered flight from the United States, arriving at a time when the airport was less busy.
Upon arrival, he was seen in a wheelchair, assisted by a family member and National Security operatives, as he was escorted across the tarmac before being taken through the VIP section of the airport.
Reports suggest that Bediatuo, appeared frail and visibly distressed, a stark contrast to his previously vibrant and flamboyant persona. An airport source remarked, “He looked very confused and disoriented. It was difficult to recognise him.”
Bediatuo had fallen ill, while accompanying then-President Akufo-Addo on an official trip to the United Nations (UN) in the United States. While the rest of the delegation returned to Ghana, he remained in the U.S. for medical treatment.
The circumstances surrounding his return remain unclear, and speculation abounds over whether the new Mahama-led government discontinued funding for his treatment or if his family requested his transfer to Ghana for continued care.
In October 2024, the Akufo-Addo administration responded to reports about Bediatuo’s health, following a publication by The Herald.
A statement issued on October 2, 2024, by Eugene Arhin, then Director of Communications at the Presidency, confirmed that he was receiving medical care in the U.S. but was in stable condition.
The statement sought to dispel rumours that he had suffered a massive stroke or had been admitted to an exclusive New York medical centre. Some reports had even falsely claimed he had passed away.
As an Ambassador-at-Large, Bediatuo, had travelled with President Akufo-Addo to the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York but did not return with the delegation. Since then, various reports, particularly on social media, speculated about his health, prompting the Presidency’s clarification in October 2024.
His return and public appearance have since reignited discussions about his health status and the circumstances surrounding his prolonged absence. Many expect him to make a full recovery and return to active political engagements.