The legal landscape surrounding the Aksa power deal case continues to ignite controversy, with Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor vehemently defending Attorney-General Dr Dominic Ayine’s actions and criticizing the handling of the matter by previous administrations. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, Mr. Dafeamekpor asserted that the current investigation should proceed without partisan distractions, a stance he repeatedly emphasized throughout the interview. He argued that the previous government’s approach to the issue had been inadequate and failed to adequately address the potential for corruption. Specifically, he pointed to the resignation of former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Managing Director Asante Kwaku Berko while Attorney-General Gloria Akuffo was in office, a decision he deemed a significant lapse in judgment. Mr. Dafeamekpor highlighted the lack of decisive action taken by key officials, including the subsequent resignation of former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Managing Director Asante Kwaku Berko and the subsequent departure of Godfred Dame, who served as Attorney-General from 2021 to 2024. He asserted that Berko’s resignation, occurring during her tenure, was a crucial missed opportunity to initiate a proper investigation, arguing that the current administration’s decision to revisit the matter, particularly with the involvement of Dr. Ayine, is a welcome development. He stated, ‘In 2021, Godfred Dame became Attorney-General for four years. The NPP can say that they don’t like Dr. Ayine, but the man’s second year into his reign as Attorney-General is dealing with the matter, which is more preferable.’ He further cautioned against any premature conclusions about the performance of the power plant, emphasizing that the focus should remain on the circumstances of the transaction and the alleged corruption rather than interpreting the turbine’s performance as a reflection of the administration’s effectiveness. Mr. Dafeamekpor urged the relevant state institutions, including the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), and the Attorney-General’s Office, to collaborate with legal and civil society experts to thoroughly examine the allegations. He proposed that the investigation should prioritize the understanding of the transaction’s mechanics and the alleged corruption, rather than focusing on the turbine’s power output as a measure of success. The US criminal prosecution of Mr. Berko regarding allegations of bribery to secure approvals for the power plant project, which began in December 2014, further complicates the situation. The US authorities allege a scheme involving bribes and approvals, operating between December 2014 and March 2017. Mr. Berko has vehemently denied these charges, while the case remains subject to the US judicial process. Mr. Dafeamekpor emphasized that the matter should now be pursued on its merits, with the relevant institutions granted the authority to establish whether wrongdoing occurred and whether any public officials should be held accountable. The legal and political implications of this situation are considerable, as the Aksa deal has become a focal point of renewed scrutiny, particularly given the US criminal prosecution of Mr. Berko. The US authorities’ allegations suggest a complex web of transactions and potential bribery, necessitating a comprehensive examination of the facts and circumstances surrounding the agreement. The current investigation has been framed as a matter of establishing whether wrongdoing occurred and whether any public officials should be held accountable. Mr. Dafeamekpor concluded by stressing the importance of allowing Dr. Ayine to conduct the investigation without undue political interference, believing that the current administration’s approach is crucial to ensuring accountability and transparency.”}”tags”: [
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Source: Adom Online
