The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has vindicated Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia over his alleged involvement in a influence peddling claim in investigative documentary titled Galamsey Economy published by investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas and his associates operating under the corporate name of Tiger Eye P.I.

In the documentary published in 2022, former Minister of State for Finance, Charles Adu Boahen, was accused of demanding an appearance fee of US$200,000.00 from one sheikh in order to see the Vice President.

As part of its investigations into the matter, the OSP confirmed that the former Minister of State for Finance did suggest the payment of an appearance fee.

However, in a report detailing its holistic investigation, the OSP noted that "the Vice President was unaware of the business he was conducting and had not tasked him to demand money of whatever description on his behalf."

According to the OSP, Charles Adu Boahen's claim that he accepted the cash gift to avoid offending the supposed sheikh lies very thinly; and his suggestion of the payment of an appearance fee of US$200,000.00 to the Vice President was "quite reckless."

When news surrounding the appearance fee emerged in November last year, the Vice President in a Facebook post noted that he is "not aware of any such meeting held by Minister Adu Boahen or a supposed “appearance fee”.

According to Dr Bawumia, his most cherished asset in life is his integrity, thus, "I will not allow anyone to use my name to engage in corrupt activities."

He called for the dismissal of Mr Charles Adu Boahen should he be found culpable of the allegations levelled against him.

"I would like to state that if what the minister is alleged to have said is accurately captured in the video, then his position as a minister of state is untenable. He should be dismissed summarily and investigated," he wrote.

The actions of Mr. Adu Boahen, according to the OSP tantamount to trading in influence or influence peddling. This is the practice of using one’s influence or connections in public office or with persons in public office to obtain favours or preferential treatment for oneself or for another person, usually in return for payment.

These acts have not been specifically prohibited in our jurisdiction as crimes per se, the OSP noted.

"Though the conduct of Mr. Adu Boahen amounts to trading in influence or influence peddling, which is closely associated with corruption, there is no actual criminal prohibition of his acts in respect of which the OSP has a mandate to further act," the report added.

As such, the Special Prosecutor has directed the closure, at this time, of the investigation in respect of allegations of corruption and corruption-related offences involving Charles Adu Boahen contained in the investigative documentary titled Galamsey Economy published by Tiger Eye P.I.

The investigation may be re-opened should the circumstances and further facts so dictate.

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