Martin Kpebu, a private legal practitioner, has expressed significant optimism regarding the potential strength of the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) investigation into the bribery case involving former Goldman Sachs banker Asante Kweku Berko, citing evidence gathered and tested in the United States as a crucial factor bolstering the Ghanaian investigation. His comments, made following Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng’s announcement of five persons of interest, underscore the potential impact of the US legal system on the ongoing inquiry. The OSP, as Kpebu points out, has already begun utilizing evidence obtained through a US court, which he views as ‘significant weight’ for the investigation’s progress,’ a statement that reflects the importance of establishing a robust legal foundation for the case. He emphasizes that the fact that the evidence has already been tested in a US court signifies its ‘criminal standard’ – proof beyond reasonable doubt – and therefore, ‘stands to reason’ it would be beneficial for the Ghanaian investigation to proceed. Specifically, the evidence could provide a strong foundation for the OSP’s case, potentially offering ‘substantial assistance’ to the Ghanaian authorities. The US prosecution’s involvement, Kpebu notes, has ‘brought the case back into focus,’ a sentiment aligned with the need for thoroughness and avoiding potential mistakes. He cautioned against premature conclusions, urging caution and emphasizing that the investigation should be allowed to unfold naturally, acknowledging that the US case has already established that Berko paid money to various individuals whose identities have been established through the legal proceedings. The US authorities, including the FBI and the Department of Justice, are reportedly interested in ensuring the case is properly concluded, particularly given the conviction secured in the United States. The US case has already established that Berko paid money to various individuals, and those individuals have been identified. Mr. Kpebu further highlighted the potential of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Department of Justice to provide crucial support to Ghanaian investigators, suggesting a possible focus on identifying and prosecuting those responsible. He also underscored the importance of the Attorney General’s supervisory oversight of the case, acknowledging that the matter is not solely being handled by the OSP alone, and that the Attorney General’s authority is crucial for ensuring the proper prosecution of the case. The argument is that the failure to establish the Ghanaian dimension of the case could raise questions about the disparity between Mr Berko’s US conviction and any potential outcome in Ghana. Mr Kpebu urged authorities to allow the investigation to proceed, stressing the importance of the Attorney General’s supervision and the significance of the case as a potential point of contention regarding the prosecution’s outcome. He referenced a Supreme Court position that the Attorney General has the authority to supervise the Special Prosecutor, solidifying the argument for a robust and well-managed investigation.
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Source: Adom Online
