Ernest Kofi Owusu-Bempah Bonsu, Convener of the group
Members of the pro-New Patriotic Party (NPP) group, ‘Fixing The Country Movement’, say they will embark on a public manifestation and picketing event scheduled for November 16, 2023, in front of the office of former President John Dramani Mahama.
Addresing the press in Accra yesterday, the convener of group, Ernest Kofi Owusu-Bempah Bonsu, said the purpose of the demonstration is to express their concerns over the sluggish pace of investigations into the Airbus bribery scandal and emphasise the importance of upholding public accountability.
The Airbus scandal, which came to light in 2020, alleged the involvement of several high-profile Ghanaian officials in a bribery scheme related to a defence contract.
He stressed that despite ongoing investigations, members of the ‘Fixing The Country Movement’ argue that progress had been slow and that the public deserves more transparency and swifter action in holding those responsible accountable.
Commitment
Mr Owusu Bempah expressed the group’s commitment to exercising their constitutional rights under Article 21(1)(d) and (f) of the 1992 constitution. He stressed that the group’s intention to picket and publicly manifest is a response to what they view as a lack of urgency in the investigation of the Airbus corruption scandal.
Mr Owusu Bempah reminded the public of the international scandal involving Airbus SE, which resulted in nearly $4 billion in penalties due to foreign bribery charges in the United States, France, and the United Kingdom. He indicated that the scandal revealed that bribes were paid to government officials worldwide, including in Ghana, to secure contracts.
In particular, he highlighted that intermediaries, including Philip Middlemiss, Leanne Davis, and Samuel Adam Mahama, were involved in facilitating these corrupt practices. These individuals, he claimed, acted as commercial partners between Airbus and former President John Mahama, referred to as “Government Official 1” in court documents.
He, therefore, expressed concern that despite credible evidence and investigations, there has been a lack of substantial progress in holding those involved accountable. He, however, noted that it has been over a year since the current Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyabeng, announced ongoing investigations into the matter.
Mr Owusu-Bempah Bonsu revealed that he personally petitioned the Office of the Special Prosecutor in September 2023 for an urgent response on the Airbus/Mahama case but has not received any feedback.
Accordingly, he said the movement’s public manifestation on November 16 is intended to draw attention to the Airbus corruption scandal and former President Mahama’s alleged involvement.
Inquiry
He called for a thorough inquiry by the Ghanaian justice system and reaffirmed their belief in public accountability, emphasising that no one is above accountability.
Additionally, he revealed their intention to continue their protests if no action is taken following the November 16 event. He stated that they were prepared to organise additional gatherings at the offices of former President John Mahama, the US Embassy, and the British High Commission until there is progress on the Airbus saga.
The group further expressed hope in the competence of Ghana’s investigative authorities but expressed growing skepticism about the pace of progress in addressing the international corruption case.
He also noted that the group had received threats from various quarters, but they remain resolute in their commitment to peaceful and lawful protest. He encouraged unity in the fight against corruption and declared their readiness for the action on November 16, having adhered to the statutory requirements for notification and police arrangements.
The ‘Fiing the Country Movement’ concluded with a resounding call to say no to corruption and urged all Ghanaians to join them in their pursuit of accountability.
About The Author
