EOCO escalates Ghana investigation into Asante Berko bribery case after US conviction

AMA Mayor apologises to alleged extortion victim, orders refund ↗

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has apologised to a citizen who alleged that some Assembly personnel extorted money from him. Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has also directed that the money allegedly taken from the victim, Kingsley Boateng, be refunded.

Aksa bribery scandal exposes deeper failures in Ghana’s procurement system – Manhyia South MP ↗

Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has called for an independent public inquiry into the Aksa bribery scandal, arguing that the focus should go beyond prosecuting individuals to addressing systemic failures that continue to expose Ghana to corruption.

Aksa saga: Don’t turn EOCO-OSP roles into turf war – Deputy AG ↗

Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai has cautioned against turning the investigation into alleged bribery surrounding the Aksa Energy deal into a turf war between Ghana’s anti-corruption agencies.

Why EOCO, not OSP, is leading AKSA bribery probe – Deputy AG explains ↗

Deputy Attorney General Dr Justice Srem-Sai has explained why the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), rather than the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), is leading Ghana’s local investigations into the AKSA bribery scandal. Speaking exclusively to JoyNews’ Evans Mensah, Dr Srem-Sai said the decision was based on the legal mandates of the respective institutions and the range of offences that may arise from the case. He stressed that the matter goes beyond allegations of bribery an

Hasty cancellation of AKSA contract could trigger judgment debt – Deputy AG warns ↗

Deputy Attorney General Dr Justice Srem-Sai has cautioned against calls for the immediate cancellation of the AKSA power deal following the conviction of a former Goldman Sachs banker in the United States for bribery. Speaking exclusively to JoyNews’ Evans Mensah, Dr Srem-Sai said although he understood concerns over the deal, the government could expose the state to a judgment debt if it terminated the agreement without first establishing the legal basis for doing so. “The law doesn't work th

Mahama won’t protect anyone linked to AKSA bribery scandal – Deputy AG ↗

Deputy Attorney General Dr Justice Srem-Sai has assured the public that President John Dramani Mahama will not shield anyone implicated in the AKSA bribery scandal. Speaking exclusively to JoyNews’ Evans Mensah, Dr Srem-Sai dismissed concerns that the President could conceal evidence or protect officials who served under his first administration.

Dafeamekpor defends Ayine’s handling of Aksa case, faults past AGs ↗

The Majority Chief Whip in Parliament, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has called for Parliament to distance itself from investigations into the alleged bribery scandal surrounding the Aksa power deal, arguing that a multi-agency committee could help establish the facts and ensure accountability.

Dafeamekpor urges Parliament to stay out of Aksa probe, backs expert-led inquiry ↗

Majority Chief Whip and South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has called for Parliament to distance itself from any direct investigation into the alleged bribery scandal surrounding the Aksa power deal.

A-G owes it a duty to the State even if we don’t trust him – Dr Bomfeh on AKSA bribery probe ↗

CEO of the Centre for Conflict and Security Studies (CenCES) and lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Dr James Kwabena Bomfeh Jnr, has said the Attorney General has a duty to account to Ghanaians on information available to his office concerning the alleged bribery scandal linked to the AKSA power deal, even amid public concerns about trust in state institutions.

Aksa bribery scandal: Ghana’s probe must be pursued with speed – Dafeamekpor ↗

The Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has called for a swift and thorough investigation into allegations of bribery linked to the Aksa power transaction, insisting that Ghana’s probe must not be allowed to drag on.

Corruption must never pay, Ghana must act – Dr Kofi Amoah charges Mahama ↗

Businessman and economist, Dr Kofi Amoah, has challenged President John Mahama to seize what he describes as a rare “perfect storm” created by the recent conviction of former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Managing Director Asante Kwaku Berko to demonstrate his administration’s zero tolerance for corruption.

NPP’s concerns over AG’s credibility to probe AKSA energy deal baseless – NDC ↗

A member of the NDC Communications team, Theophilus Dzimega, has rejected the NPP's claim that Attorney General Dominic Ayine cannot be trusted to independently investigate the latest bribery allegations surrounding the AKSA Energy Power Project.

We don’t have confidence in AG to independently probe AKSA energy deal – NPP ↗

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) says it has no confidence in Attorney General and Minister for Justice Dominic Ayine to independently investigate or prosecute persons implicated in the latest bribery allegations surrounding the AKSA Energy power project.

Asante Berko bribery case: See copy of indictment document describing duties and roles of Ghana official 1, 2, and the others ↗

The indictment document filed before the UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK in the Asante Kwaku Berko case indicates that the Ghana Official 2 was a high-ranking official who worked for, acted in an official capacity for, and acted on behalf of the Ghanaian Ministry of Power.

Asante Berko bribery case: See copy of indictment document describing duties of Ghana official 1 and 2 ↗

EOCO must name all persons linked to Berko bribery scheme — NPP communicator ↗

The US conviction of the former Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery, Asante Kwaku Berko, should be a starting point for Ghanaian authorities to establish the identities of all persons who may have been involved in the alleged bribery scheme.

Ex-TOR MD $1m Bribe: Kwabena Donkor Denies Receiving Money… As EOCO Expands Probe – Ghanamma.com ↗

Kwabena Donkor: I'm Not A Bribe- Taker! … I Have Never Met Asante Berko In My Life ↗

NPP demands immediate action over Ghanaian links to Asante Berko bribery case ↗

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is demanding swift action against individuals allegedly linked to the bribery case involving former Goldman Sachs executive and former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Managing Director, Asante Kwaku Berko, following his conviction by a United States federal court.

“I’m not sure” – K.T Hammond unsure if OSP has questioned Kwabena Donkor over Berko bribery case ↗

Former Power Minister Dr Kwabena Donkor’s lawyer says he is unsure whether his client has been contacted by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) or US authorities following the conviction of former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Managing Director Asante Kwaku Berko. K.T. Hammond gave the response during an interview with JoyNews when asked whether Dr Donkor had been approached by investigators in connection with the bribery case.

Istanbul trip was standard due diligence for Aksa power deal – K.T. Hammond ↗

A lawyer for former Power Minister Dr Kwabena Donkor, K.T. Hammond has defended the decision by a Ghanaian technical team to travel to Istanbul, Turkey, to inspect equipment linked to the controversial Aksa Energy power deal. K.T. Hammond said the trip was part of the standard technical due diligence required before major power-generation equipment was shipped to Ghana. Speaking to JoyNews, the lawyer said it was necessary for Ghanaian officials to physically inspect the equipment and establis

Kwabena Donkor never met Asante Berko, demanded or received money – K.T. Hammond ↗

Former Power Minister Dr Kwabena Donkor has denied ever meeting convicted former Goldman Sachs banker Asante Berko or demanding or receiving money in connection with the controversial Aksa Energy power deal. His lawyer, K.T. Hammond, told JoyNews on Top Story that Dr Donkor has categorically rejected allegations linking him to the bribery scheme that led to Berko’s conviction in the United States.

$1m bribery scheme: ‘I’m not so instructed’ – Lawyer on whether OSP has contacted Kwabena Donkor ↗

Lawyer for former Power Minister Kwabena Donkor, K.T. Hammond, says he has not been instructed by his client on whether the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has contacted him in connection with the Aksa Energy bribery allegations.

Kwabena Donkor can’t be held liable for Asante Berko’s alleged corruption – KT Hammond ↗

Lawyer for former Power Minister Kwabena Donkor, K.T. Hammond, has insisted that his client cannot be held liable for any allegations linking him to corruption perpetrated by former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) boss Asante Berko.

AKSA Energy case: Emails, names of recipients key to proving Ghanaian officials’ involvement – Kpebu ↗

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu says emails and the identification of individuals who allegedly received money could provide crucial evidence in establishing whether Ghanaian public officials participated in the alleged bribery scheme linked to the AKSA Energy deal. According to him, investigators must establish a clear evidentiary link between the alleged payments and any Ghanaian […]

AKSA Energy case: Ghana has evidence to trigger own accountability process – Osae-Kwapong ↗

Democracy and Development Fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), John Osae-Kwapong, says Ghanaian law enforcement agencies already possess information that could form the basis for domestic investigations into the AKSA Energy-related bribery allegations.

AKSA Energy deal: Ghana must conduct own investigations despite US conviction – Osae-Kwapong ↗

Democracy and Development Fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), John Osae-Kwapong, says Ghana must conduct its own investigations into the circumstances surrounding the AKSA Energy deal despite action already taken by authorities in the United States.

AKSA Energy deal: Bribery offences not time-barred, assets can be recovered – Ayikoi Otoo ↗

Former Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Ayikoi Otoo, says public officials found to have received bribes in connection with the AKSA Energy deal could still face prosecution, even if the alleged offences occurred more than a decade ago.

Asante Berko conviction does not establish criminal liability in Ghana – EOCO ↗

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has cautioned against assuming that the conviction of former Goldman Sachs investment banker and former Tema Oil Refinery Managing Director, Asante Kwaku Berko, automatically establishes criminal liability against individuals in Ghana.

Former Power Minister Kwabena Donkor breaks silence on $1 million bribe ↗

Former Power Minister Dr Kwabena Donkor has strongly denied any involvement in the bribery allegations surrounding former Goldman Sachs banker Asante Kwaku Berko, insisting that he has never met Mr Berko, demanded money from him or received any personal benefit connected with the power deal.

EOCO to trace and recover assets linked to Asante Berko bribery probe ↗

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) says it will trace and, where supported by evidence, pursue the recovery of assets and proceeds linked to suspected criminal conduct in the Ghanaian dimension of the Asante Kwaku Berko bribery case.

EOCO escalates Ghana investigation into Asante Berko bribery case after US conviction ↗

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has escalated its investigation into the Ghanaian dimension of the bribery case involving former Goldman Sachs investment banker and former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Managing Director, Asante Kwaku Berko.

AKSA Energy deal: Evidence of conspiracy enough to prosecute implicated officials – Ayikoi Otoo ↗

Former Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Nii Ayikoi Otoo, says evidence showing that public officials participated in a criminal agreement could be sufficient grounds to prosecute them in connection with the alleged bribery scandal involving AKSA Energy.

CSOs demand probe into 2022 AKSA Energy agreement renewal after US bribery conviction ↗

Civil society organisations are demanding an immediate review and investigation into the circumstances surrounding the renewal of the AKSA Energy agreement with the government of Ghana in October 2022

OSP on how it assisted FBI 'behind the scenes' in getting Kwaku Asante Berko convicted for bribing Ghanaian officials ↗

$1 million bribe: ‘Former minister Kwabena Donkor denied categorically that he had received any money from Mr Berko’ – Vormawor ↗

Private legal practitioner and social activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor says former Minister of Power, Dr Kwabena Donkor

Breakdown of bribes former TOR MD paid to Ghanaian officials to secure energy deal for Turkish firm ↗

Court documents in the bribery case involving former Goldman Sachs banker Timis Berko have detailed a series of payments allegedly made to facilitate a Ghanaian power project, including more than $2 million in transfers and other expenses.

TOR Case: Parliament’s handling of contracts must be strengthened – Benjamin Boakye ↗

Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Benjamin Boakye, has raised concerns about Parliament’s role in reviewing and approving major contracts, following the corruption case involving former Goldman Sachs banker Timis Berko.

Interrogate all persons linked to former TOR MD Asante Berko’s case – Mary Addah ↗

Transparency International Ghana Executive Director Mary Addah has called for all persons linked to the case involving former Goldman Sachs banker Timis Berko to be interrogated to help uncover the full circumstances surrounding the alleged corruption.

Prof Kwaku Asare Writes: Lessons from Berko’s conviction ↗

The good book says that for every briber there is a bribee. Bribery, unlike alikoto, is usually a game for at least two. Somebody gives. Somebody takes. Somebody offers. Somebody accepts. Somebody promises. Somebody demands. Which brings us to the curious case of Asante Kwaku Berko, the former banker recently convicted by a federal jury […]

Former TOR MD conviction: Ghana, US working to pursue others over power plant bribery scheme – Deputy AG ↗

Deputy Attorney General, Justice Srem-Sai says his office is working with authorities in the United States to pursue other individuals implicated in a bribery scheme linked to a power plant development contract between a Turkish energy company and the Government of Ghana.

How Asante Kwaku Berko allegedly paid over $1 million in bribes to former minister, MPs, and gov’t officials to secure deal for Turkish client ↗

Former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Managing Director Asante Kwaku Berko allegedly used more than US$1 million in bribes to Ghanaian government officials, including a former Minister of Power and MPs, to help secure a lucrative power project for his Turkish client, Aksa Enerji Uretim A.S., a United States federal court has heard.

Former Goldman Sachs investment banker convicted of foreign bribery, money laundering ↗

Asante Kwaku Berko, a dual citizen of the United States and Ghana, was convicted today by a federal jury in Brooklyn on all counts of an indictment charging conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), violating the FCPA, and money laundering conspiracy for paying bribes to Ghanaian government officials in connection with the development of a power plant in Ghana.