Nana Bediatuo Asante, former Secretary to ex-President Nana Akufo-Addo, made his first public appearance in nearly five months, following rumours about his deteriorating health condition.
Bediatuo, who had been recovering from a stroke in the United States, attended the 81st birthday celebration of President Akufo-Addo on March 29, 2025, marking a significant moment in his recovery journey.
Bediatuo’s health had been the subject of public concern after he fell ill in October 2024 while accompanying President Akufo-Addo at a United Nations General Assemblies.
A government statement at the time confirmed that Bediatuo had suffered a stroke and was undergoing treatment.
The presidency requested prayers for his recovery as rumours swirled, including unverified claims about his death.
However, the government maintained that he was stable and responding well to treatment, providing hope for his full recovery.
In the months following his illness, Bediatuo remained in the US for medical attention, missing out on the final stages of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) campaign for the 2024 general elections.
Despite the party’s heavy loss to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Bediatuo’s health remained the primary concern for his family, colleagues, and the public.
At Akufo-Addo’s birthday event, Bediatuo appeared seated in white attire, surrounded by close friends and dignitaries, including former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and NPP figures like Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko and former National Security Coordinator, Edward Kwaku Asomani.
In the photos shared by Otchere-Darko on social media, Bediatuo could be seen holding a walking stick, signaling that he was still relying on support as he continues his recovery journey.
Though he remained seated throughout the event, the presence of the walking stick indicated that he had made progress but still faced challenges walking unaided.
Bediatuo served as Akufo-Addo’s Secretary from 2017 to 2025.
In June 2024, he was appointed Ambassador At Large, in addition to his duties as the president’s secretary.
His appearance at the birthday celebration was a sign of optimism, as it highlighted his progress in overcoming the health challenges that kept him out of the public eye for several months.
