The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Ghana has expressed appreciation for the public’s interest in the case involving Mr. Asante Kwaku Berko, a former Goldman Sachs investment banker who subsequently served as Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) in connection with allegations of bribery stemming from his private sector tenure. According to EOCO, it has been attentive to developments in the matter and has, within its statutory mandate, engaged with the relevant authorities regarding the Ghanaian dimension of the case.
However, EOCO stated, "EOCO will not disclose sensitive operational information that could compromise ongoing investigations, the integrity of evidence or any future prosecution." This statement was issued by Raymond Archer, the acting Executive Secretary of EOCO, following a recent request from its counterparts in the United States, concerning investigations into the alleged bribery scheme.
In a statement dated Monday, August 10, 2026, issued by EOCO’s Corporate Communications on behalf of Raymond Archer, the acting Executive Secretary, EOCO, the statement emphasized the office’s dedication to the case and its cooperation with authorities in Ghana. The statement acknowledged the substantial public interest in the matter and affirmed its commitment to investigating the Ghanaian aspects of the case.
Last year, EOCO received a request from its counterparts in the United States, seeking information pertaining to specific individuals in Ghana who were considered relevant to the investigations, including a former Minister of State and public servants. Following receipt of this 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 also closely monitored the proceedings in the United States. Given the nature of the allegations and the international dimensions of the case, EOCO considered the evidence emerging from the U.S. proceedings to be potentially material to determining the appropriate scope and direction of any comprehensive investigation in Ghana.
This approach was deliberate. EOCO’s responsibility is not merely to commence investigations for the sake of public perception, but to ensure that investigations are properly grounded in evidence. conducted lawfully and capable where appropriate of supporting subsequent criminal proceedings and asset-recovery action. Following the conclusion of the proceedings in the United States and the conviction of Mr. Asante Berko, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice immediately engaged the appropriate U.S. authorities and will through lawful channels obtain relevant evidence, records and information necessary to advance the Ghanaian investigation which began last year. The Attorney-General has subsequently directed EOCO 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. Importantly, and consistent with its statutory mandate, asset tracing and recovery form an integral part of EOCO’s investigative plan in this matter. The Office will examine where supported by evidence, whether any proceeds, benefits, assets or property may have been derived from or connected to suspected criminal conduct and where the law permits, pursue the appropriate measures for their preservation, recovery and restitution to the State.
EOCO further wishes to assure the public that its collaboration with U.S. law-enforcement authorities and the Attorney-General’s Office remains active. The process of obtaining relevant records through lawful international cooperation is critical to ensuring that any Ghanaian investigation is comprehensive. evidence-based and capable of producing a lawful outcome. The Office therefore intends to follow the evidence and financial trail, including any relevant transactions, beneficiaries, assets and proceeds that may fall within its jurisdiction. EOCO remains committed to following the evidence without fear or favour, identifying and investigating economic and organised crime within its mandate, and pursuing the recovery of assets and public resources where the evidence and the law so require. Further information will be provided at the appropriate time.”
EOCO further wishes to emphasize, however. that the conclusion of proceedings against Mr. Berko in the United States does not, by itself, establish criminal liability on the part of any person 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.”
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Source: Graphic Online
