The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has significantly escalated its investigation into the Ghanaian facet of the bribery case involving former Goldman Sachs investment banker and former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Managing Director, Asante Kwaku Berko.
The development follows Mr Berko’s conviction in the United States in connection with allegations of bribery arising from his period in the private sector.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 10, 2026, EOCO announced it received a request from its counterparts in the United States last year concerning investigations into alleged bribery schemes involving individuals in Ghana. The request sought information on specific individuals within Ghana who were considered relevant to the investigations, including a former Minister of State and public servants.
“Following receipt of the request, EOCO, in collaboration with the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, commenced preliminary work in relation to the Ghanaian aspects of the matter,” the Office stated. EOCO emphasized this was a deliberate and methodical approach, stressing the importance of thorough evidence gathering and the potential for subsequent criminal proceedings and asset recovery.
EOCO explained that its approach was designed to ensure investigations are properly grounded in evidence and capable of supporting subsequent criminal proceedings and asset recovery, adhering to Ghanaian law.
“EOCO’s responsibility is not merely to initiate investigations for the sake of public perception, but to ensure investigations are properly grounded in evidence, conducted lawfully and capable of supporting subsequent criminal proceedings and asset-recovery action,” it emphasized. The Office stated that the investigation’s focus is solely on the Ghanaian aspects of the matter.
EOCO stressed that the conviction in the United States does not automatically establish criminal liability against any individual in Ghana. “Any individual whose name appears in evidence obtained through the international cooperation process will be assessed independently on the basis of the evidence relevant to that person and in accordance with Ghanaian law,” the Office clarified.
EOCO assured the public that further information would be provided at the appropriate time. The Office cautioned that Mr Berko’s conviction in the United States does not automatically establish criminal liability against any individual in Ghana. “Any individual whose name appears in evidence obtained through the international cooperation process will be assessed independently on the basis of the evidence relevant to that person and in accordance with Ghanaian law,” it reiterated, highlighting that the investigation’s scope will remain focused on the Ghanaian dimension of the case.
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice engaged the appropriate US authorities to obtain relevant evidence, records, and information required to advance the Ghanaian investigation. EOCO stated that the Attorney-General has directed it to escalate its investigations as the relevant information and official records are obtained from the competent authorities in the United States.
“EOCO has accordingly commenced the process of intensifying its investigation into the Ghanaian dimension of the matter,” the Office concluded, stressing the importance of ongoing collaboration with US law enforcement authorities and the Attorney-General’s Office.
This investigation will be conducted independently and in accordance with Ghanaian law. EOCO cautioned that Mr Berko’s conviction in the United States does not automatically establish criminal liability against any individual in Ghana.”
[Data source: MyJoyOnline]
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Source: MyJoyOnline
