Accra, August 26, 2024 – Investigative journalist and author Manasseh Azure Awuni has issued an official correction and apology to businessman Mr. Ibrahim Mahama. This comes on the back of what he refers to as a “factual error” in his latest book, “The President Ghana Never Got.”
In a statement released titled “RETRACTION AND APOLOGY” on his official twitter (now X) handle, Manasseh acknowledged the oversight regarding a reference he made to Mr. Mahama in a discussion on the banking crisis under the Akufo-Addo administration. The error involved the mischaracterization of a $28 million debt associated with the Universal Merchant Bank (UMB) as a personal liability of Mr. Mahama.
Manasseh clarified that the debt in question was owed by Engineers and Planners Company Limited, the legal entity, and not Mr. Mahama personally.
“I retract the said reference to Ibrahim Mahama as the debtor and apologize for any adverse effect that may have been occasioned by said publication”
– Manasseh Azure Awuni
But the big question on the minds of many is: “will he go back to edit and reprint the books to ensure this error gets fixed?”
He assured that immediate steps are being taken to correct this mistake in the online version of the book and in all future reprints.
The journalist emphasized that the error was unintentional, and he remains committed to maintaining accuracy in his work.
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 in subsequent reprints.
– Manasseh Azure Awuni
August 26, 2024
It would be recalled that Manasseh hinted on communications from Mr. Mahama’s legal team. It was that which necessitated this correction. It underscores the importance of clear and accurate reporting, particularly in matters involving high-profile individuals and sensitive financial details.
For now it looks like the controversial book is generating further controversies making the “President Ghana Never Got” the book-to-read.
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