Mahama Cleared By Special Prosecutor Of Any Wrongdoing In Airbus Scandal: "No Evidence"
- Former President John Mahama has been cleared of any wrongdoing in the Airbus scandal of 2020
- Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng noted that the former president's brother, Samuel Mahama, was also cited in the scandal
- In comments to YEN.com.gh, law lecturer Justice Srem-Sai affirmed that these allegations have been proven baseless
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has cleared former president John Dramani Mahama of any wrong Airbus scandal of 2020, which involved the payment of bribes by an aircraft company.
Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng also confirmed the brother of the former president, Samuel Mahama, as an intermediary in the controversial deal.
Source: Facebook
In a brief on investigations, the special prosecutor said Mahama played no role in the acquisition.
The office released a comprehensive report saying there was no evidence against the former president.
"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."
The report, however, cited conflict of interest concerns on the president's part because of his brother's involvement.
The investigation into the scandal was commenced in February 2020 and concluded in June 2024.
When the news of the Airbus scandal broke, Mahama was accused of being at the centre of the alleged corruption.
The Special Prosecutor at the time, Martin Amidu, confirmed that Mahama was the Government Official 1 in the Airbus scandal.
Amidu commenced investigations in 2020 into an agreement during Mahama’s administration to procure two military transport aircraft from Airbus for the Ghana Armed Forces.
Despite all these allegations, Mahama denied benefitting from the deal reportedly transacted during his time as president.
The National Democratic Congress welcomed the findings as vindication of Mahama's long-held innocence.
"Seven and half years after leaving office, John Mahama remains squeaky clean with unblemished integrity. Certainly, John Mahama is the incorruptible leader Ghana needs to win the fight against corruption."
Law lecturer notes victory for Mahama in Airbus saga
Justice Srem-Sai, a lawyer and lecturer at the University of Ghana Law School, reminded the court that President Akufo-Addo, through his Executive Secretary, made the initial complaint about the deal.
In comments to YEN.com.gh, Srem-Sai affirmed that these allegations have been proven baseless.
Source: Twitter
"It also means that President Akufo Addo accused President John Mahama falsely," he added.
The more significant takeaway for Srem-Sai is that the Airbus saga has ended in favour of Mahama as there is no evidence on which prosecution could be mounted.
Background to the Airbus Scandal
In February 2020, global aeroplane manufacturing giant Airbus SE was fined £3 billion in penalties after admitting it had paid bribes to land contracts in 20 countries, including Ghana.
The UK's Serious Fraud Office quoted at least €5 million as kickback payments to a top Ghanaian official through an intermediary who was a close relative of “a high-ranking elected Ghanaian government official” during the Mahama administration.
Ghana bought three military aircraft from Airbus in 2011 and 20, which aligns with the 2009-2012 Strategic Plan of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Then Minority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu slammed the deals as questionable and non-transparent, adding that the government had padded the contract sums.
Bawumia campaign defends brother getting road contracts
YEN.com.gh reported that the campaign team of the New Patriotic Party flagbearer Mahamudu Bawumia has defended the awarding of contracts to his brother.
A member of the NPP flagbearer’s campaign team confirmed the earlier claims made by the opposing National Democratic Congress.
The campaign team also stated that Bawumia’s brother had benefitted from sole-sourced contracts under the NDC government.
Proofread by Berlinda Entsie, journalist and copy editor at YEN.com.gh
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Source: YEN.com.gh
