Politics

Airbus Scandal: Group Urges Akufo-Addo to Launch Public Inquiry into Mahama’s Role

Story Highlights
  • The OSP cleared Mahama and others after a four-year investigation.
  • The group disputes the OSP’s findings, citing evidence of bribery.
  • It calls for an inquiry to ensure accountability and transparency.

The group ‘Fixing The Country Movement’ has petitioned President Akufo-Addo to establish a public inquiry into former President John Mahama’s role in the Airbus bribery scandal. This request follows the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) clearing Mahama, his brother Samuel Adam Mahama, and two others of any wrongdoing after a four-year investigation.

The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, concluded that there was no evidence of bribery or corruption, leading to the closure of the case. Despite this, the group issued a 14-day ultimatum for the OSP to reopen the investigation.

In their petition, the group highlighted the Airbus scandal as the largest corruption case ever and expressed disbelief at the OSP’s decision to clear Mahama. They argue that payments of bribes were made and received, implicating Mahama as ‘Government Official 1.’

The petition, also sent to the UK High Commissioner and US Ambassador, stresses that Mahama’s designation as ‘Government Official 1’ in court documents from the UK and US should not absolve him of guilt. It underscores that Airbus’s scheme involved bribes to Ghanaian officials, including Mahama.

The document details that, from 2008 to 2015, Airbus paid bribes through intermediaries connected to Mahama, including his brother. It claims that judicial records show these bribes aimed to secure the sale of military aircraft to Ghana.

The petition criticizes the OSP for failing to hold Mahama accountable despite evidence from international courts. It calls for President Akufo-Addo to use his powers under Article 279 of the 1992 Constitution to initiate a thorough and impartial inquiry.

The group urges prompt action from the President to address the issue and ensure justice for the people of Ghana, highlighting the need for a transparent investigation into the corruption allegations.

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