In a heated discussion on the AKSA power deal, the Chief Justice of Ghana, Dr James Kwabena Bomfeh Jnr, has voiced a formidable statement, asserting that the Attorney General has a crucial duty to provide comprehensive information regarding alleged bribery involving the AKSA power deal, regardless of public skepticism regarding the integrity of state institutions. Speaking to Adomonline.com, Dr Bomfeh stated that the Attorney General and Parliament must not obstruct the public’s right to engage with and demand answers concerning this sensitive matter. He emphasized that the Attorney General owes the public a commitment to transparency, demanding the disclosure of information related to the alleged illicit transactions, stressing that the public should not be denied access to those investigations.
Dr Bomfeh further elaborated that the Attorney General should either provide the information currently available or demonstrate concrete steps taken to investigate and address the concerns raised. He acknowledged that doubts surrounding the credibility of institutions like Parliament and the Attorney General’s office are concerning but insisted that abandoning these institutions or refusing to engage with them in addressing national interests is unacceptable. He proposed a broader collaborative effort involving external institutions and groups – including traditional leaders, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and student groups – to comprehensively examine the situation. The initiative was presented as a necessary step to address wider issues related to public contract management and the allocation of state resources, highlighting the need to scrutinize the flow of funds and identify who benefits from the transactions.
In response to renewed scrutiny following the United States prosecution involving former Goldman Sachs banker Asante Kwaku Berko, bringing allegations of bribery connected to the power deal to the forefront, Dr Bomfeh acknowledged concerns about public confidence in institutions. However, he asserted that doubts regarding their credibility should not justify abandoning these institutions or refusing to engage with them in addressing national issues. He suggested the establishment of a cross-sectoral committee, comprising chiefs, the clergy, media, civil society, and student groups, to conduct an in-depth interrogation of the matter. The committee’s purpose was to ensure a thorough examination of the controversy, including the establishment of where funds went and who benefitted from the transactions. Furthermore, the proposal underscores the need for a thorough investigation, with the Attorney General to prioritize the examination of the money trail and identify all involved parties.
The proposal also indicates that a range of state and non-state institutions must be involved in the investigation, even if there are concerns about their independence. The legal expert emphasized that all stakeholders, including those with concerns regarding trust, must cooperate to ensure the investigation proceeds. Funding for scholarship beneficiaries is illegal – Emmanuel Wilson
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Source: Adom Online
