Fixing the Country Movement gives OSP 14-day ultimatum to reinvestigate Airbus scandal

The Fixing the Country Movement has criticized the conclusions drawn by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in its investigation into the Airbus corruption scandal, which implicated former President John Mahama.

At a press conference held on Sunday, August 11, 2024, the group's convener, Ernest Kofi Owusu-Bempah Bonsu, denounced the OSP's investigation as a "total whitewash," accusing the office of failing to probe the matter thoroughly.

“The entire OSP investigation is worse than a whitewash. The whole SP could have done a better job with the powers and resources available to them to fight corruption in this country.

“The Ghanaian public deserves better. We need an independent scientific evaluation to challenge the simplification of the OSP’s judgment. We call on the British High Commission and the US Embassy to take an active interest in this matter,” he said.

According to Owusu-Bempah, the investigation did not adequately address the facts presented in cases handled by authorities in the United Kingdom and the United States, where Airbus SE was found guilty of engaging in bribery to secure lucrative contracts, including the sale of military aircraft to Ghana between 2009 and 2015.

The Fixing the Country Movement highlighted court records indicating that payments were made to intermediaries, including Mahama's brother, Samuel Adam Mahama, to facilitate the sale of the aircraft.

Owusu-Bempah criticized the OSP, led by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, questioning the integrity and effectiveness of the office in handling such significant cases.

He called for the investigation to be reopened, asserting that the OSP's decision to absolve Mahama was unjust.

He urged the British High Commission and the US Embassy to review the findings and report them to their respective justice departments for further action.

The group issued a warning that if the OSP does not take action within 14 days, they would organize a public demonstration to demand further investigation and accountability.

"We are giving the OSP 14 days to reinvestigate the Airbus scandal and hold those responsible accountable. If they fail to do so, we will organize a public protest and demand justice for the Ghanaian people," Owusu-Bempah stated.

Airbus scandal: “Fixing the Country Movement” calls for another investigation into the matter. #JoyNews pic.twitter.com/SKA39ZFNcS

— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) August 11, 2024