Former President John Dramani Mahama has issued a challenge to the Akufo-Addo administration, daring them to prosecute him if they have any evidence of his alleged involvement in the Airbus scandal or other corrupt activities.
Mahama criticized the government for failing to provide proof of his alleged corrupt deeds despite having been out of office for over seven years.
Speaking at a media encounter on Sunday, July 7, at the Kempinski Hotel, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer accused the government of engaging in political gimmicks aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
“A lot of allegations were thrown against me. I’ve been out of the office for seven years and seven months. You think that if this government had anything they could stand on with how they hate my persona, they would not have prosecuted me for it,” he questioned.
Referring to the Airbus scandal, Mahama noted that President Akufo-Addo had referred the matter to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for investigation.
“Airbus, the president referred it to the OSP and the OSP is supposed to investigate it, you don’t expect me to investigate myself,” he said.
He also challenged the government to provide evidence of his ownership of a hotel in Dubai.
“I said let’s go and find that hotel. I need money. We will find it, we will sell it, you give me my small share and the government can take the rest. Till today, they have found nothing,” Mahama revealed.
The former President reiterated his commitment to combating corruption in Ghana, promising to hold the Akufo-Addo administration to high standards of accountability.
“I’ve challenged the NPP and the mudslinging and the lies they’ve told about me at every juncture to come up with proof of the allegations and prosecute me.”
“I am an adherent of accountability and I’ve said anybody who serves in public office should be prepared to be accountable. And that accountability must start with me,” he asserted.
Mahama assured that if elected, he would apply the same standards to his cabinet members.
“My commitment is to fight corruption and if I come into office, I’ll hold their administration to the high standard of accountability and those who serve in my administration would also be measured by the same yardstick,” he pledged.