The Office of the Special Prosecutor has noted that although former President Mahama’s involvement with the purchase of aircraft in the Airbus case may be out of good intentions, it raised suspicions of influence peddling and conflict of interest.
On Tuesday, 8 August, the OSP cleared the former President of allegations of wrongdoing and corruption but stated that Mr. Mahama’s communications and dealings with officials of Airbus SE could trigger suspicions of potential corruption owing to his direct brothers involvement with the purchase of the aircraft.
According to OSP President Mahama’s familial relationship with Samuel Adam (Foster) Mahama 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.”
The OSP furthered that their investigations indentified Mr. Mahama as Government Official 1, or GO1, as claimed by critics.
“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.”
Nonetheless, the OSP said it has directed a closure of investigations into the case, adding that it would not further institute criminal proceedings against individuals accused in the case.
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