Dr Kofi Amoah, a prominent economist and observer of Ghanaian politics, has issued a forceful challenge to President John Dramani Mahama to intensify investigations into Ghanaian officials implicated in the Berko corruption case, which involves former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Managing Director Asante Kwaku Berko. In a recent commentary on social media, Dr Amoah argued that the United States federal jury’s conviction of Mr. Berko, a key figure in a complex bribery scheme involving foreign energy transactions and government approvals, represents a crucial opportunity for Ghana to demonstrate its commitment to combating corruption. The US Department of Justice revealed that Mr. Berko was involved in a power plant transaction between the Government of Ghana and Turkish energy company Aksa Energy while serving as an Executive Director in Goldman Sachs’ Investment Banking Division. Prosecutors alleged that Mr. Berko and his co-conspirators paid more than $1 million in bribes to Ghanaian officials to secure approvals for the power project. The prosecution further alleged that payments were discussed in connection with Ghana’s then Minister of Power, a senior adviser, and Members of Parliament, all of whom had ratified the agreement. However, the US authorities have not yet identified the Ghanaian officials referenced in the latest conviction announcement. This aspect of the case presents a significant gap in the investigation, prompting Dr. Amoah to urge President Mahama to pursue this matter with renewed urgency. He contends that Ghana has established institutions such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Office of the Special Prosecutor, alongside various anti-corruption laws, but argues that corruption continues to deprive citizens of resources needed for national development. ‘Our country has become a looting ground for the powerful whilst the ordinary people suffer and retrogress regardless of how hard they work,’ he stated. Dr. Amoah also linked the matter to President Mahama’s anti-corruption agenda, particularly the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative. He challenged the President to demonstrate that the government’s anti-corruption campaign would apply regardless of the political affiliation of persons implicated. According to Dr. Amoah, while individuals targeted under ORAL may largely be associated with the previous governing party, the Ghanaian officials allegedly connected to the Berko case appear, based on available information, to be largely associated with the current governing party. He stated that this presents an opportunity for the government to prove that its fight against corruption is based on principle rather than political considerations. ‘The people who seem culpable in the ‘dumsor’ corruption judgment by a US court seem to be largely, not exclusively, from the ruling political party,’ he wrote. Dr. Amoah appealed to President Mahama not to allow the opportunity to pass, describing it as a potentially historic moment to confront corruption within government ministries and Parliament. ‘Please don’t fail us, don’t fail Ghana because this opportunity of a perfect storm to nip corruption at its most fertile center, ministries and parliament, may never come in another hundred years,’ he said. He maintained that the US conviction could become a turning point in Ghana’s fight against corruption if authorities followed the evidence and pursued accountability on the Ghanaian side of the case. ‘Corruption must never pay; Ghana must act,’ he declared. He further argued that tackling corruption was essential to Ghana’s long-term development and called on the government to ensure that those found culpable face the consequences of their actions. ‘Cleanse Ghana of corruption so that Nkrumah’s independence for Ghana can meet Mahama’s freedom from corruption and our dear country can really start her journey for progress on a sound and hopeful footing,’ he said. Dr. Amoah concluded by urging President Mahama to seize what he described as a unique opportunity to demonstrate through action that corruption would not be tolerated, regardless of who may be implicated. ‘Luck = Preparation + Opportunity. When you’re prepared and the opportunity knocks, it is your luck to pounce and redeem what you have been searching for,’ he wrote.’
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Source: Adom Online
