The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a forceful demand for immediate action against individuals suspected of involvement in the bribery case concerning former Goldman Sachs banker and former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Managing Director Asante Kwaku Berko, stemming from ongoing investigations in the United States. The US authorities, following the establishment of facts during the investigation, have already identified individuals linked to the allegations, prompting the NPP’s insistence on swift prosecution and accountability, a move sharply contrasting with the government’s previous approach, according to the party’s Deputy General Secretary, Haruna Mohammed. Speaking to Accra-based Citi News, Mohammed stated, ‘People are named. These are known people. They should go and deal with them. But we have been told that they are going to investigate. Investigate what? So these are the matters confronting the nation. President Mahama, if you have failed, just resign and let us live on. That is what we are expecting him to do,’ highlighting a sentiment reflecting a deep frustration with the perceived lack of decisive action by the current administration. The NPP’s call follows the conviction of Mr. Berko by a US federal jury in Brooklyn on charges related to a bribery scheme involving Ghanaian government officials in connection with a power plant project. This development follows the announcement by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) that it has begun investigating the Ghanaian aspect of the case, a move that includes tracing funds and assets potentially linked to criminal activity arising from the alleged bribery scheme. EOCO Director, revealed that the conviction in the United States does not automatically establish criminal liability for individuals in Ghana, emphasizing that the agency will assess all evidence, including those obtained through international cooperation, independently in accordance with Ghanaian law. The agency cautioned that anyone whose name appears in evidence obtained through international cooperation will be assessed independently, adhering to established legal frameworks. The NPP’s demands underscore a growing public frustration with what they perceive as a lack of transparency and decisiveness from the Ghanaian government in addressing corruption allegations involving public officials and individuals associated with major government projects. The situation has intensified calls for Ghanaian authorities to thoroughly investigate the extent of any involvement by local officials and determine whether any offences were committed in connection with the Aksa Energy power project, a project that has been a focal point of considerable scrutiny and controversy within the country. The NPP is pushing for a comprehensive review of the investigation and a demonstrable commitment to prosecuting those implicated in this alleged bribery scheme, suggesting a desire for a more proactive and transparent approach to tackling corruption allegations impacting public finances and governance.”
Source: Adom Online
