The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is currently leading the investigation into the AKSA bribery scandal, rather than the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), according to Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai. This shift in leadership represents a significant development in the legal process, and the rationale behind it is rooted in the legal mandates of both institutions and the scope of potential offenses.
Speaking exclusively to JoyNews’ Evans Mensah, Dr. Srem-Sai explained that the decision to assign EOCO the primary investigative role is contingent on the legal framework governing the case. He emphasized that the matter extends beyond simple bribery and corruption to encompass money laundering, a significant area of EOCO’s mandate.
‘It’s not just about bribery and corruption; it’s also about money laundering,’ he stated. ‘There are other offenses involved that don’t necessarily fall within the OSP’s purview, but which are pertinent to the core of this investigation.’
The Deputy Attorney General highlighted the distinction between the roles of the EOCO and OSP, stressing that each agency has distinct mandates and the potential for collaboration. He questioned whether the OSP’s focus is solely on allegations of corruption, and whether it’s appropriate to solely rely on the OSP to investigate matters that extend beyond its scope.
Dr. Srem-Sai dismissed suggestions that the decision to place EOCO in charge was intended to avoid scrutiny from the OSP. He asserted that the various investigative bodies have different mandates and could collaborate where necessary. He further underscored that the investigation isn’t a matter of ‘I want to do it, I want to do it’ – rather, ‘who has the mandate to do what ought to be done?’
The decision to shift the focus to EOCO reflects a broader strategic consideration by the Attorney General’s Department. Dr. Srem-Sai argued that the agency’s long-standing history of tackling economic and organised crime provides considerable experience and expertise, a factor that contributes to its perceived efficiency.
He pointed to EOCO’s demonstrable track record, noting that the agency’s work over the years has been instrumental in combating criminal activity. Furthermore, he added that the agency’s institutional history gives it a significant advantage in dealing with complex cases involving economic and organised crime, making it a more capable investigator.
When asked about the potential for collaboration between EOCO and the OSP, Dr. Srem-Sai stated that ‘it is not a question of ‘I want to do it, I want to do it.’ Yes, you want to do it, but who has the mandate to do what ought to be done?’
He explained that decisions within the Attorney General’s Department are subject to established legal processes and that senior officials cannot simply disregard the advice of subordinate lawyers without documentation. He emphasized that such a decision must be supported by legal reasoning and relevant authorities rather than political considerations.
Furthermore, he maintained that proper documentation within the justice system would make it difficult for an individual to permanently suppress a case. He said officials know that decisions taken today can be reviewed by their successors.
Dr. Srem-Sai concluded by asserting that the focus should be on the capacity and effectiveness of investigative institutions rather than simply whether an agency is described as independent. He stated that ‘merely calling an institution independent doesn’t make it as independent as you think.’
This shift is part of a larger initiative to strengthen public confidence in the integrity of investigations and combat corruption. The local investigation, which follows the conviction in the United States of Kwaku Asante Berko, involves a former Goldman Sachs banker and managing director of the Tema Oil Refinery, who was accused of a bribery scheme linked to a power plant project in Ghana.
Some commercial transport operators in Kumasi are also complaining that rising fuel prices are impacting their earnings.
Watch Related Video
Source: Adom Online
