Investigative journalist and author Manasseh Azure Awuni has issued a formal retraction and apology regarding an error in his recent book, The President Ghana Never Got.

The book, which delves into the banking crisis during President Akufo-Addo's administration, has come under scrutiny for an incorrect statement about businessman Ibrahim Mahama.

In a statement released by Awuni, he acknowledged the error, which concerned a $28 million debt linked to the Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) during its acquisition by new owners in 2013.

The book had mistakenly identified Mr. Mahama as responsible for the debt.

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"The fact is that the $28 million debt I referenced was owed by his company, Engineers and Planners Company Limited, the legal entity, and not Mr. Mahama personally," Awuni clarified.

He further stated, "Consequently, I retract the said reference to Ibrahim Mahama as the debtor and apologise for any adverse effect that may have been occasioned by said publication."

Awuni emphasised that the mistake was unintentional, describing it as "a genuine oversight," and assured readers that corrective measures are being taken.

"I am taking immediate steps to correct [this error] in the online version of the book and subsequent reprints," he stated.

This apology comes after Mr Ibrahim Mahama, through his legal team, brought the issue to Awuni’s attention, prompting the author to act swiftly in addressing the inaccuracy.

Read his retraction and apology below;

Retraction and apology

Businessman Mr Ibrahim Mahama has, through his lawyers, brought to my attention a fact that needs correction, and I hereby do so unreservedly.

i. In my latest book, “The President Ghana Never Got”, I discussed the banking crisis under the Akufo-Addo administration and how some banks were saved from possible collapse.

ii. In providing a background to the Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) and the circumstances under which its new owners acquired it in 2013, I mentioned the controversy that arose when it emerged that one of the big debtors of the erstwhile Merchant Bank was Mr Mahama.

iii. The fact is that the $28 million debt I referenced was owed by his company, Engineers and Planners Company Limited, the legal entity, and not Mr. Mahama personally.

iv. Consequently, I retract the said reference to Ibrahim Mahama as the debtor and apologise for any adverse effect that may have been occasioned by said publication.

v. It was a genuine oversight, which I am taking immediate steps to correct in the online version of the book and subsequent reprints.

Manasseh Azure Awuni
August 26, 2024