Airbus Case: OSP clears Mahama of corruption allegations

The Office of the Special Prosecutor has cleared former President John Dramani Mahama of corruption in relation to the controversial Airbus “scandal.”

In a report on Thursday, 8^th August 2024, signed by the Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, the OSP affirmed their investigations revealed that Mr. Mahama was Government Official 1, or GO1, as speculated in the public domain in the Airbus case.

“OSP confirms the identity of the following individuals. The individual described as Government Official 1 by the UK court and Individual 1 by the US court is John Dramani Mahama. He is a citizen of Ghana and was the Vice President of Ghana from January 7, 2009, to July 24, 2012.”

The OSP asserted that their inquiry into the case found no evidence of former President Mahama’s involvement in the procurement and maintenance of the agency relationship between Airbus and his brother Samual Adam (Foster) Mahama, regarding Ghana’s military transport aircraft purchase.

“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,” noted part of the report.

The OSP, however, said that former President Mahama’s familial relationship with Foster and his direct involvement with Airbus officials raised suspicions of improper conduct, despite claims of good faith, adding that Mahama’s position as Vice President and Chairman of the Armed Forces Council during the first Airbus campaign raised these concerns.

“It ought reasonably to have occurred to former President Mahama and the Government of Ghana that the familial relationship between former President Mahama and Foster and the direct participation by former President Mahama in the communications and meetings with Airbus officials were bound to raise reasonable suspicions of improper conduct and dealings notwithstanding any claims to good faith conduct and above board dealings, especially in light of the fact that during the first Airbus campaign, former President Mahama was the Chairman of the Armed Forces Council by reason of his position as the Vice President—and therefore a key decision-maker.“

“Such close proximity dealings by such elected high officials of the Republic and their kin and close associates on behalf of the Republic should neither be viewed favourably nor encouraged, as they give rise to reasonable suspicion of influence peddling and conflict of interest. Never mind any intended good faith.”

In conclusion, the OSP said it has directed a closure of investigations into the case, stating that it would not further institute criminal proceedings against those implicated in the case.

It further directed its officers to remove any restrictions placed on individuals who have been linked with the case, effective 8th August.