Airbus scandal: Mahama exonerated, OSP says no evidential basis to suggest Mahama was involved in bribery

The Office of the Special Prosecution (OSP) has concluded investigations into the Airbus scandal and has said former President John Dramani Mahama is exonerated.

According to the OSP, there is no evidential basis to suggest that former President Mahama was involved in bribery.

Kissi Agyebeng, the Special Prosecutor made the OSP's findings known at a press conference in Accra on Thursday [August 8, 2024].

Airbus scandal: Mahama exonerated.
OSP says there is no evidential base to suggest that former President Mahama was involved in bribery. pic.twitter.com/uK48d26uZx

— DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) August 8, 2024

The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng has therefore directed the closure of the OSP investigation into alleged bribery of high-ranking Ghanaian officials by Airbus SE, through intermediaries, in respect of the sale of military transport aircraft by Airbus SE to Ghana between 2009 and 2015.  

Consequently, the OSP says it would not institute criminal proceedings against any person in respect of the investigation.  

The Special Prosecutor has also directed authorised officers of the OSP to rescind the May 13, 2020 warrants of arrest obtained from the Circuit Court, Accra for the arrest of Samuel Adam Foster (also known as Samuel Adam Mahama), Philip Sean Middlemiss, Leanne Sarah Davis, and Sarah Furneaux. 

On August 8, 2024, the Special Prosecutor notified INTERPOL of the withdrawal of the Red Notice in respect of Samuel Adam Foster (also known as Samuel Adam Mahama), Philip Sean Middlemiss, Leanne Sarah Davis, and Sarah Furneaux. 

At a press conference in Accra on Thursday, the OSP made his findings known and said it has concluded investigations into the Airbus scandal and has said former President John Dramani Mahama is exonerated.

According to the OSP, there is no evidential basis to suggest that former President Mahama was involved in bribery.

Airbus scandal: Mahama exonerated.
OSP says there is no evidential base to suggest that former President Mahama was involved in bribery. pic.twitter.com/uK48d26uZx

— DailyGraphic GraphicOnline (@Graphicgh) August 8, 2024

OSP names John Mahama as 'Government Official 1' in Airbus Scandal, clears him of corruption

The OSP however, officially identified former President John Dramani Mahama as the individual referred to as 'Government Official 1' in the Airbus bribery scandal.

The Special Prosecutor confirmed that Mr Mahama was indeed the 'Government Official 1' referenced in UK court documents and 'Individual 1' in corresponding US court filings. 

Despite his identification, the OSP found no evidence that Mahama was involved in any corrupt activities or received bribes during the transactions.

"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. And it appears to the OSP that the direct communications and meetings between former President Mahama and officials of Airbus to close the deal were actuated by good intentions on the part of the former," the report observed.

The OSP also identified Mahama's brother, known as Samuel Adam Mahama or Samuel Adam Foster, as 'Intermediary 5,' a key figure in the Airbus scandal, who was mentioned in court documents. 

The Airbus scandal dates back to transactions made during Mr. Mahama’s tenure, where Ghana procured military aircraft from the European aerospace giant. Former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu launched investigations in 2020 into the matter, focusing on an agreement to purchase two military transport aircraft for the Ghana Armed Forces under Mahama's administration.

While Mr. Mahama and his brother were alleged to be entangled in the scandal, the OSP has now clarified that there is no evidence implicating the former President in any wrongdoing.

The Airbus scandal, which involved bribery and corruption allegations across several countries, has been under scrutiny for years. Ghana's acquisition of three military aircraft from Airbus between 2011 and 2015 was central to the controversy. Court documents from the UK highlighted how Airbus allegedly bribed intermediaries to secure contracts, with a significant focus on Ghana’s deals.

Despite these revelations, the OSP’s recent findings have effectively exonerated Mahama, affirming that while he was identified as 'Government Official 1,' there is no evidence of his involvement in any corrupt practices in connection with the Airbus transactions.

Read a copy of the full report attached below