The Management of CURENT ISSUES wishes to formally retract and apologize for our earlier publication titled “Ghanaians Raise Alarm Over Mahama’s Alleged Gold Dealings with Sahel Coup Leaders.”
After a thorough review of the facts and follow-up verification from credible diplomatic sources, it has become clear that the allegations made against former President John Dramani Mahama were unfounded, misleading, and regrettably speculative.
Contrary to the claims aired by media personality Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah and, some Ghanaians on Socia Media, and subsequently reported in our newspaper, former President Mahama’s engagements with leaders in the Sahel region; specifically, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, were undertaken with the strategic aim of promoting regional peace, stability, and cooperation, particularly in light of growing security threats across West Africa.
There is no credible evidence linking former President Mahama to any form of clandestine gold dealings, nor any proof suggesting that his diplomatic efforts were influenced by foreign powers, including Russia.
We admit that our inclusion of such claims, without adequate verification, was a serious lapse in journalistic responsibility.
We also regret the inaccurate characterization of his appointment of Mr. Gbevlo Lartey to oversee diplomatic relations with the Sahel region.
The decision was taken within a context of security expertise and regional understanding, and it was guided by national interest and not personal or political gain.
We recognize that the original publication may have caused undue distress and reputational damage to former President Mahama, his associates, and institutions tasked with managing Ghana’s foreign relations. We sincerely apologize for any harm caused.
As media institution, we are taking steps to strengthen our editorial review process and ensure that future reporting meets the highest standards of accuracy, balance, and integrity.
