I Support OSP on the Airbus Scandal - Vitus Azeem

 Anti-corruption advocate Vitus Azeem has come to the defense of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), urging that it deserves recognition for its recent findings in the Airbus bribery case.

The OSP recently identified former President John Dramani Mahama as the individual referred to as 'Government Official 1' in the Airbus scandal, though there is no evidence suggesting that he received any bribes.

Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated that this conclusion was reached after a thorough four-year investigation by his office. 

In a media briefing in Accra, Mr. Agyebeng emphasized that the investigation and disclosure of those involved were driven by significant public interest in the matter.

Despite these findings, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed dissatisfaction. Haruna Mohammed, Deputy General Secretary of the NPP, criticized the OSP's investigation on Joy News’ The Pulse on Thursday, August 8, calling it a "lazy job." He argued that the OSP should have obtained the UK court ruling, which identified Mahama as "Government Official 1," due to the shared legal system under common law.

However, Mr. Azeem believes the OSP should be commended for its efforts, pointing out that while Mr. Mahama was cleared, the OSP provided detailed reasons for its decision.

“If the Special Prosecutor has found no grounds to pursue this case further and has outlined those reasons, that should settle the matter. Unless the government seeks to involve a higher authority—though it’s unclear which investigative body that would be,” he stated on the same program.

He added that the criticism labeling the OSP’s work as “shoddy” is unwarranted.

“I don't understand why anyone would claim that the Special Prosecutor did a poor job just because the findings didn't align with their expectations. Of course, being an election year, such reactions are anticipated,” he remarked.

Azeem further suggested that if the findings had favored the NPP, the National Democratic Congress would likely have accused the OSP of subpar work, indicating that these reactions were not unexpected.