The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has officially cleared former President John Dramani Mahama of any wrongdoing in the controversial Airbus scandal that has made headlines both in Ghana and internationally.

In a press briefing on Thursday, August 8, 2024, the OSP stated unequivocally that its extensive investigation found no evidence of corruption or corruption-related offenses involving the former president in connection with the purchase of the Airbus.

“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 its associates in respect of the purchase by the government of Ghana of military transport aircraft from Airbus.”
Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng

The OSP’s comprehensive investigation into the matter revealed that the procurement and maintenance of the agency relationship between Airbus and Samuel Adam Foster, along with his associates, did not involve any wrongdoing on the part of former President Mahama.

“Transport aircraft from Airbus followed substantially the same pattern as other government procurement processes. Parliament approved the proposed transactions in 2011, and in accordance with the laws of Ghana, there was nothing remarkable about the deal.”
Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng

The OSP emphasized that there was nothing unusual about the deal, nor would it have warranted inclusion in the UK and US deferred prosecution agreements had it not been for the involvement of the former president and his brother.

“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 president.”
Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng

The investigation also revealed that Foster and his associates only became involved as intermediaries after the Ghanaian government’s decision to purchase the Airbus C295 aircraft.

Their involvement, according to the OSP, was a matter of “luckless coincidence,” as it occurred while Mahama was serving as Vice President. The timing of this association, however, attracted the disapproval of UK and US authorities, who viewed it with suspicion due to the potential conflict of interest.

However, the Special Prosecutor added that the former president should have considered his familial relationship and direct communications with Foster were bound to raise reasonable suspicions of improper conduct.

“Such proximity dealings by such elected high officials of the Republic and their kin and close associates on behalf of the Republic should neither be viewed favourably nor encouraged, as they give rise to suspicion of influence peddling and conflict of interest. Never mind any intended good faith.”
Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng

The Airbus scandal has been a contentious issue, not just in Ghana, but on the global stage, after the aircraft manufacturer was embroiled in a massive corruption scandal. Airbus was accused of bribing officials across various countries to secure contracts for its aircraft.

The case gained international notoriety, leading to deferred prosecution agreements (DPAs) in the United Kingdom and the United States, where Airbus admitted to paying bribes to secure lucrative contracts.

In Ghana, the controversy centered on the purchase of C295 military transport aircraft by the government in 2011, during Mahama’s time as Vice President.

Allegations arose that the deal involved corrupt practices, especially with the involvement of Mahama’s younger brother, Samuel Adam Foster, also known as Samuel Adam Mahama, who was identified as an intermediary in the transaction.

The clearance of Mahama by the OSP is likely to have significant implications, both locally and internationally. For years, the Airbus scandal has been a cloud over Mahama’s political career, with opponents using it to question his integrity and leadership.

The OSP’s findings may provide a much-needed vindication for Mahama as he continues to play an active role in Ghana’s political landscape.