Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has refuted claims that he has been given a seven-day ultimatum to delete sections of his latest book that allegedly tarnish the reputation of businessman Ibrahim Mahama.

According to Manasseh, these reports are inaccurate, though he acknowledges that Mr. Mahama's lawyers have raised concerns about specific content in the book.

The book in question, The President Ghana Never Got, addresses several issues, including the controversial sale of Universal Merchant Bank (UMB), formerly Merchant Bank, in 2013.

Manasseh writes that the state-owned bank, which was sold to private equity firm Fortiz, faced difficulties partly due to large debts owed by Ibrahim Mahama at the time.

In the book, it is noted that South Africa's FirstRand Bank had offered GH₵176 million for 75% of the bank's shares, while Fortiz secured 90% of the shares for only GH₵90 million. Manasseh highlights that a key debtor of the bank was Mr. Mahama, which, according to him, contributed to the bank’s financial problems.

In response to this claim, Mr. Mahama, through his solicitors, demanded a retraction and an apology from Manasseh. However, contrary to media reports, Manasseh has denied receiving any directive to delete portions of the book.

“I have received calls about the news that Ibrahim Mahama has given me seven days to delete pages 89 and 90 of my book because the information is inaccurate. That is not accurate,” Manasseh stated.

Manasseh went on to explain that the correspondence from Ibrahim Mahama's lawyers specifically addressed a paragraph in the chapter on the economy, which references Mr. Mahama’s indebtedness to Merchant Bank. The lawyers clarified that it was not Ibrahim Mahama himself who owed the bank, but rather his company, Engineers & Planners.

“Mr. Ibrahim Mahama's lawyers have written to me concerning a paragraph of the book… His lawyers say it was a company owned by Ibrahim Mahama, Engineers and Planners, which owed the bank, not Ibrahim Mahama,” Manasseh explained. He added, “I have forwarded their demands to my lawyers, and the matter will be addressed soon.”

Manasseh Azure Awuni has stood by the claims in his book, expressing confidence in the accuracy of the information he published. He assured the public that the issue is being handled professionally by his legal team and that he will address the concerns raised by Mr. Mahama’s solicitors appropriately.

The situation has drawn public interest, as Manasseh’s book touches on sensitive issues related to the business dealings of prominent figures in the country.

Despite the legal back-and-forth, the investigative journalist remains resolute in his position, and the matter is expected to proceed through the legal process.