The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has officially confirmed that former President John Dramani Mahama is the individual referred to as 'Government Official 1' in the Airbus bribery case. However, the OSP has cleared him of any involvement in corrupt activities.
 |
| John Mahama - Former President Of Ghana |
During a press conference held in Accra on Thursday, August 8, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng announced that Mahama was identified as 'Government Official 1' in the UK court documents and 'Individual 1' in related US court filings. Despite this identification, the investigation conducted by the OSP found no evidence that Mahama engaged in any corrupt practices or accepted bribes during the transactions in question.
"The OSP investigation found no evidence that former President Mahama was involved or played any role in the procurement and maintenance of the agency relationship between Airbus and Foster and his associates in respect of the purchase by the Government of Ghana of military transport aircraft from Airbus. And it appears to the OSP that the direct communications and meetings between former President Mahama and officials of Airbus to close the deal were actuated by good intentions on the part of the former," the report stated.
The OSP also identified Mahama's brother, Samuel Adam Mahama (also known as Samuel Adam Foster), as 'Intermediary 5,' who played a significant role in the Airbus affair, as mentioned in court documents.
The Airbus scandal revolves around transactions that occurred during Mahama's presidency, involving Ghana's purchase of military aircraft from the European aerospace company. The investigation into these dealings was initiated in 2020 by then-Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu, focusing on the acquisition of two military transport aircraft for the Ghana Armed Forces under Mahama's administration.
Although there were initial allegations linking Mahama and his brother to the scandal, the OSP's recent findings have clarified that no evidence implicates the former President in any wrongdoing.
The Airbus scandal, which has been the subject of international scrutiny due to bribery and corruption allegations, involved multiple countries. Ghana’s purchase of three military aircraft from Airbus between 2011 and 2015 was a key part of the controversy. UK court documents suggested that Airbus used intermediaries to secure contracts, with a significant focus on Ghana’s deals.
In light of the OSP’s recent findings, Mahama has been effectively exonerated, with the investigation concluding that while he was identified as 'Government Official 1,' there is no evidence of his involvement in any corrupt practices related to the Airbus transactions.
.png)
0 Comments