Investigative journalist and author, Manasseh Azure has issued an apology and retraction to businessman, Ibrahim Mahama over his new book.
The journalist has said the portion on Mr Mahama was a genuine oversight and he is taking immediate steps to correct in the online version of the book and in subsequent reprints.
The widely read book indicated the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Engineers & Planners Limited, was one of the big debtors to former Merchant Bank, which resulted in its struggles.
Mr Awuni in new latest book, “The President Ghana Never Got,” stated that the Universal Merchant Bank (UMB), formerly State-owned Merchant Bank, generated uproar in 2013 when it was sold to a private equity firm, Fortiz.
The journalist indicated that FirstRand Bank of South Africa was said to be willing to pay GH₵176million for 75% of Merchant Bank’s shares, while Fortiz offered only GH₵90million for 90% of the shares in the state-owned bank.
However, Mr Mahama through his lawyers refuted the claim, demanding an immediate retraction and unqualified apology over what he has described as reputational damage.
They warned that failure on the part of Mr Awuni to comply with these demands within seven days will result in legal action.
In a post on X, Mr Awuni apologised for any adverse effect that may have been occasioned by said publication.
Read the full post 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…
— Manasseh Azure Awuni (@Manasseh_Azure) August 26, 2024
