John Mahama
The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng has revealed that his office has opened investigation into Airbus SE scandal over alleged bribery by the European multinational aerospace corporation, in respect of the sale and purchase of military aircraft for the Republic is ongoing.
According to him, his Office is engaged with INTERPOL and the central authorities of the United Kingdom and the United States under the mutual legal assistance regime.
This case, according to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is among some over 70 corruption-related cases which is yet to be made public.
The OSP indicated that these cases are at various levels of consideration and would be publicised if the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng determines that they are within the mandate of the Office and that they should be moved past the preliminary investigation stage.
“This is a policy intended to protect the privacy of individuals and the business operations of institutions and companies, and to avoid unnecessary stigmatisation,” according to the first half-yearly report released by the office.
Recently, the OSP announced that it has recovered over GH¢1 million from Labianca Company Limited.
Already, the Office of the Special Prosecutor disclosed that it has established the identity of the elected Government official 1 in the Airbus SE scandal as former President John Dramani Mahama.
According to the former Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, “the only reason the former President [Mahama] has not been invited for interrogation (in spite of all threats from some of his followers and lawyers) is the fact that he got himself an insurance as the Presidential candidate of the other largest political party in Ghana.”
He argued that “prudence dictated that the interrogation be held in abeyance during this election season.”
Mr Amidu stated these as part of his observations in the corruption risk assessment report on the Agyapa Royalties deal which he submitted to the Office of the President on October 16, 2020.
Mr Amidu also indicated that former President Mahama has not offered to make any voluntary statement to his Office (OSP).
Citing some of the cases his office was working on in relation to the fight against corruption in Ghana, Mr. Agyebeng mentioned that his office is investigating 70 new corruption-related cases.
However, there has been not been any conviction or acquittal in any of the cases.
By Vincent Kubi