Truth is ruthlessly twisted for political benefit, feeding a vicious cycle of hypocrisy and deception.

Mr. Haruna Mohammed’s caustic assessment of the OSP’s Airbus inquiry as “lazy” is completely unfounded and inappropriate.

Despite the OSP’s thorough investigation, which found no evidence of bribery, exonerated John Mahama, and verified correct procurement standards, Mohammed continues his vendetta, revealing his clear political opportunism and disrespect for truth and justice.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor’s scathing investigation into the Airbus bribery scandal has set a blistering new standard for anti-corruption efforts, triumphantly exposing the truth and shattering the notion of impunity.

This fearless, meticulous, and uncompromising inquiry has sent a resounding message: no one is above the law, and all must be prepared to face scrutiny without exception. The era of accountability has dawned, and the corrupt would do well to tremble.

Regrettably, the OSP’s findings are just the tip of the iceberg. The damning revelations in Mr. Manasseh Azure Awuni’s book, “The President Ghana Never Got” have shed light on the widespread bribery and corruption that have become the norm, even at the highest levels of government.

The fact that our legislators, from both the majority and minority parties, have been implicated in these unscrupulous practices is a damning indictment of the state of our democracy.

It is absolutely unacceptable that the President and his administration appear unwilling to take decisive actions against these transgressions.

The notion that such blatant corruption is regarded as “normal” is a testament to the deep-rooted malaise that has consumed our political landscape. How can we expect the people of Ghana to have faith in their government when those entrusted with the public’s trust are perpetuating a culture of graft?

The revelations that the Chief of Staff’s office routinely provides cash to Members of Parliament, especially during the vetting process, are particularly alarming. This practice not only undermines the integrity of our institutions but also calls into question, the very legitimacy of our democratic processes.

Manasseh Azure’s book also reveals Databank, co-founded by Ken Ofori-Atta, earned $9.2 million from Ghana’s borrowing between 2018 and 2021.

The company’s frequent contracts after Ofori-Atta became Finance Minister raise questions about conflicts of interest and personal gain from government decisions.

The OSP’s handling of the Airbus case has demonstrated that with the right leadership, independence, and resolve, it is possible to root out corruption.

The decision to close the investigation and rescind the arrest warrants for the intermediaries is a bold and principled move that reinforces the notion that in Ghana, no one is above the law.

This outcome stands in stark contrast to the impunity that has long characterised the treatment of high-profile individuals accused of corruption.

Now, it is time for the government to heed the lessons of the Airbus case and apply the same level of rigour and impartiality to the numerous other corruption allegations that have plagued our nation.

The wellbeing and future prosperity of Ghana’s citizens depend on a steadfast commitment to eradicating corruption at every level of government and society.

The OSP’s diligence and unwavering adherence to the rule of law should serve as a blueprint for all investigative bodies in Ghana. In fighting the scourge of corruption that has so long held back our country, the President and his administration should show the same courage and conviction as they did in the Airbus case.

The people of Ghana deserve better. We demand transparency, accountability, and a government that truly serves the interests of the people, not the personal agendas of a privileged few.

The time for empty promises and half-measures has long passed. We call on the President and all duty-bearers to take decisive and immediate action to uproot the cancer of corruption that threatens to undermine the very foundations of our democracy.

Ghana’s future is at stake. The time for action is now. Let us heed the lessons of the Airbus case and embark on a new, corruption-free chapter in our nation’s history.

Source: Evans Mawunyo Tsiktata

He noted that the OSP has been particularly effective in targeting political elites, prompting various attempts to undermine its credibility.

His comment comes after the Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Searchlight Newspaper, Kenneth Kwabena Agyei Kuranchie, sued the Attorney General and Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) over the constitutionality of the latter.

The 2024 independent parliamentary candidate is seeking to have the creation of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and its powers declared unlawful.

This includes the OSP’s powers of arrest, detention, freezing, and seizure, which he has described as abusive.

Mr Kuranchie in his writ is asking the Supreme Court to declare the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (ACT 957) as contrary to “Articles 11, 17. (1)(2) and (3), 88. (3) and (4), 289. (2) 290. (1) (f)) and 290. (2) to (4), 12. (2) and 107 (b) of the 1992 Constitution.”

Earlier, a former Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu filed a petition, calling for the removal of the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng for various breaches.

However, the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkonoo on Friday, July 5 dismissed the petition which she deemed baseless and without merit.

Speaking on the JoyNews AM show, Mr Senanu said, “Various people are trying various mechanisms and strategies to try and pull down the office, and much more so even the individual occupying the office because they see that these are independent and objective-minded people”.

The Anti-Corruption Campaigner emphasised that the primary focus for those involved in combating corruption should be prevention rather than solely pursuing the recovery of lost funds.

Mr Senanu argued that spending additional resources to recover stolen assets often yields limited returns, whereas preventing corruption in the first place would be more effective.

He cited examples from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), highlighting its handling of approximately 11 cases, including four significant cases annually, involving high-level individuals.

“From where I sit, I think the OSP is serving a very important role as a deterrent and has probably been the one institution that has been proactive in ensuring that those who want to continue being greedy cannot just feel comfortable about it,” he said.

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This follows the conclusion of its investigation into suspected case of corruption involving Charles Adu Boahen, a former Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance.

In the detailed report sighted by Myjoyonline, the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng said although Adu Boahen engaged in influence peddling, it was not an actual criminal activity which warrants an action by the OSP.

He explained that unlike other jurisdictions where influence peddling is strictly prohibited, such acts have not been specifically prohibited in Ghana or identified as a crime.

The OSP said it is thus unable to investigate the allegations further, and joins up with “the positively persistent calls of the pressure group, OccupyGhana for the passage of a Conduct of Public Officers Act to properly regulate the conduct of public officers.”.

Mr. Agyebeng, however, believes the Attorney General is the one best placed to handle the case and not his office because of jurisdictional issues.

The release of the report by the OSP comes months after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo requested the OSP to investigate some allegations against Mr. Adu Boahen contained in an investigative documentary titled ‘Galamsey Economy’ produced by investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

According to Tiger Eye PI investigations, Mr. Boahen told undercover journalists that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia could be paid $200,000 as an appearance fee for investors.

He was subsequently dismissed from post by the President and the issue referred to the OSP.

In a statement on November 16, 2022, the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, said his office has promptly commenced an investigation into the actions of Mr Adu Boahen and any other implicated person, after which the findings will be made public.

Below is the full statement