Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has expressed scepticism about the finality of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) report on the Airbus scandal.
The OSP concluded that there was no evidence of bribery directly involving former President John Dramani Mahama.
However, Kpebu argues that more is needed to settle the matter.
In a recent appearance on the Key Points show on TV3, Kpebu highlighted his concerns about the scandal’s ongoing implications.
He questioned the impact of money received by Foster Mahama, John Mahama’s brother, suggesting that such funds might influence political campaigns.
Kpebu stated, “John Mahama is lucky because of Akufo-Addo and Bawumia corruption,” indicating that current political controversies might overshadow the investigation into the Airbus case.
Kpebu emphasized that the OSP report’s conclusion does not bring ultimate closure.
He pointed out that the matter could be revisited if future investigations uncover new incriminating evidence.
“It doesn’t bring finality; it is just a truce,” Kpebu said, suggesting that the report merely pauses the investigation rather than conclusively resolving it.
The OSP’s report identified John Mahama as ‘Government Official One’ in the Airbus case, a designation also recognized by UK and US courts. However, the report did not find direct evidence linking Mahama to bribery.
The Airbus scandal involves allegations of bribery related to Ghana’s purchase of military aircraft.
The UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO) reached a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) with Airbus, requiring the company to pay over £3 billion in fines.
The DPA allows Airbus to avoid immediate prosecution but mandates compliance with its terms.
The SFO’s investigation found that Airbus had used bribery schemes to secure contracts in various countries, including Ghana.
In Ghana, court documents describe payments made to intermediaries linked to a high-ranking Ghanaian official, but the official’s identity was not explicitly named.
The scandal includes allegations that Airbus used a Spanish third-party company to facilitate and conceal bribes.
The DPA does not absolve Airbus from future prosecution if it fails to comply with the agreement’s terms.
Ongoing investigations could lead to further legal actions against individuals involved in the bribery, potentially using Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) provisions under English law.
