The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has officially cleared former President John Dramani Mahama of any involvement in the Airbus bribery scandal.

In a press briefing held today, the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, announced that after thorough investigations, no evidence of corruption was found against the former President, who was previously identified as "Government Official 1" in connection with the scandal.

Kissi Agyebeng emphasized that the investigation revealed no evidence linking Mahama or any other public official to bribery or corrupt practices in the purchase of military aircraft from Airbus. The Special Prosecutor also highlighted that the intermediary, Samuel Adam Mahama, who is the former President's brother, did not receive any bribes that were intended to benefit John Dramani Mahama or any other individuals involved in the case.

The OSP found no evidentiary basis that suggests that Samuel Adam Foster, also known as Samuel Adam Mahama, and Sarah Davies received payment from Airbus with the intention of bribing former President John Dramani Mahama or any other public official," Kissi Agyebeng stated. "Further, the OSP found no evidential basis that suggests that former President John Dramani Mahama or any other public official was paid bribes by Samuel Adam Foster, also known as Samuel Adam Mahama, in respect of the purchase of Government of Ghana military transport aircraft from Airbus.

With this declaration, the Special Prosecutor has effectively closed the case, deciding not to pursue any criminal prosecution against individuals named in the scandal.

Background of the Airbus Scandal

The Airbus scandal traces back to Ghana's purchase of three military aircraft – C295s – from Airbus between 2011 and 2015. The first aircraft was delivered in November 2011, the second in April 2012, and the third in November 2015. These acquisitions were part of the 2009-2012 Strategic Plan of the Ghana Armed Forces and were approved by Parliament, despite significant debates.

However, suspicions of corruption emerged following a judgement by England’s Crown Court in Southwark on January 21, 2020. The judgement approved a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) between the UK’s Serious Fraud Office and Airbus SE after investigations revealed extensive bribery by Airbus to secure contracts worldwide, including Ghana.

In Ghana's case, the Crown Court's judgement referred to a scheme in which Airbus allegedly bribed intermediaries connected to a high-ranking government official to secure contracts for the sale of C295 aircraft. The judgement indicated that Airbus paid nearly €4 million to a Spanish third-party company, which then funneled the money to an intermediary with close ties to the Ghanaian official involved in the decision-making process.

Although no names were mentioned in the court documents, the timeframe suggested possible involvement of individuals during the Mills-Mahama administration. Despite the allegations, the OSP’s investigation has now concluded that no bribes were paid to former President John Dramani Mahama or any other public officials in relation to the aircraft purchase.

Conclusion

The Special Prosecutor’s announcement brings closure to a case that has been under scrutiny for several years. By clearing former President Mahama of any wrongdoing, the OSP has removed a significant cloud of suspicion that had lingered over his administration. The decision not to pursue further legal action also underscores the OSP's commitment to evidence-based investigations, ensuring that only cases with substantial proof proceed to prosecution.

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