The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has exonerated former President John Dramani Mahama and his brother, Samuel Adam Mahama, from any wrongdoing following an investigation into the Airbus Scandal.
During a press briefing held in Accra on Thursday, August 8, 2024, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated that the investigation found no evidence linking Mahama, who was identified as “Government Official One,” to any corrupt activities in the procurement of military aircraft from Airbus. Agyebeng said that all procurement processes for the aircraft purchase met the required standards.
“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,” Agyebeng said.
The investigation focused on allegations that Airbus SE made success-based commission payments totaling approximately €5million to intermediaries connected to high-ranking Ghanaian officials. These payments were allegedly made to influence the purchase of C-295 military transport aircraft by Ghana. “Intermediary 5,” identified in court documents, was closely related to “Government Official 1.”
The investigation, which began after a referral from the President of Ghana, followed a UK court ruling on January 31, 2020, which found that Airbus had engaged in bribery to secure contracts in multiple countries, including Ghana. However, the OSP’s investigation revealed no direct evidence that these payments constituted bribes to Mahama or other officials. Instead, the payments appeared to be intended to secure favourable decisions from Ghanaian officials.
The OSP’s report stated that that Mahama had good intentions in acquiring the aircraft for the country and found no evidence of corruption against him, his brother Samuel Adam Mahama (identified as Intermediary 5), or any other accused individuals. However, the Special Prosecutor expressed concern over Mahama’s communications with Airbus officials, indicating potential conflicts of interest and the appearance of impropriety.
After completing the investigation, the OSP decided to close the case and not pursue criminal charges. The Special Prosecutor also ordered the rescission of arrest warrants and INTERPOL Red Notices issued against the intermediaries, including Samuel Adam Mahama, noting that while the involvement of high-ranking officials could raise suspicions, there was no concrete evidence of criminal conduct under Ghanaian law.
