Airbus scandal: Only court of competent jurisdiction can determine if Mahama is guilty or not; OSP isn't a judge — Deputy Health Minister

Deputy Health Minister Alexander Akwasi Acquah has questioned the recent report by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) that exonerated former President John Dramani Mahama of corruption allegations related to the Airbus scandal.

The OSP, in its investigative report, concluded that Mahama did not receive any bribe or engage in corrupt practices in the purchase of three military aircraft from Airbus.

The report stated, “The OSP found no evidentiary basis that suggests that former President John Dramani Mahama or any other public official was induced to improperly favour or did improperly favour Airbus in respect of the purchase by the Government of Ghana of military transport aircraft from Airbus.”

However, Mr. Acquah criticized the OSP’s findings, arguing that the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, does not have the authority to clear Mahama of wrongdoing.

Speaking on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show, the Deputy Minister asserted, "OSP is a prosecutor, special prosecutor. He is not a Judge, therefore cannot clear any person of wrongdoing."

He emphasized that “it is only a court of competent jurisdiction that can definitively determine Mahama’s guilt or innocence in the Airbus scandal.”

Acquah further stated that the investigation is far from over, as Ghanaians are still seeking clarity on the identity of "Government Official 1" mentioned in the Airbus case.

"The matter is yet to begin as it will take a court to establish the truth," Acquah insisted, implying that the OSP's report does not conclude the investigation but rather opens the door for further legal scrutiny.