The Office of the Special Prosecutor has warned Presidents and Vice Presidents to avoid participation in commercial communications and meetings with commercial entities.
According to Kissi Agyebeng, direct participation of the President and the Vice President in commercial dealings exposed them to perceived corruption that may influence international business transactions.
“Then again, the direct participation of the President and the Vice President (on behalf of the Republic) in commercial communications and meetings with commercial entities should not be encouraged either – as they expose these elected high officials to the spectre of the slightest hint of perceived corruption that may attend international business transactions. The President and the vice president should be insolated from such direct commercial dealings.” He warned.
Kissi Agyebeng gave this warning at a press conference on Thursday, August 8, 2024, when giving an update on the Airbus bribery scandal.
“Tt ought reasonably to have occurred to former President Mahama and the Government of Ghana that the familial relationship between former President Mahama and Foster and the direct participation by former President
Mahama in the communications and meetings with Airbus officials were bound to raise reasonable suspicions of improper conduct and dealings notwithstanding any claims to good faith conduct and above board dealings, especially in light of the fact that during the first Airbus campaign former President Mahama was the Chairman of the Armed Forces Council by reason of his position as the Vice President – and therefore a key decision-maker.” He added.
Kissi Agyebeng continued “Such close proximity dealings by such elected high officials of the Republic and their kin and close associates on behalf of the Republic should neither be viewed favourably nor encouraged – as they give rise to reasonable suspicion of influence peddling and conflict of interest. Never mind any intended good faith.”
Meanwhile, “The OSP investigation found no evidence that former President Mahama was involved or played any role in the procurement and maintenance of the agency relationship between Airbus and Foster and his associates in respect of the purchase by the Government of Ghana of military transport aircraft from Airbus.”
Source: Elvisanokyenews.com
