Dr. Kwabena Donkor, Ghana's former Minister for Power, has not been contacted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) regarding alleged bribery in the Aksa Energy power agreement. His lawyer, K.T. Hammond, confirmed this, stating he has no instructions from his client on any such contact. This statement addresses ongoing questions about the former minister's involvement in a reported $1 million bribery scheme linked to the power deal.
The lawyer's comments came during a discussion on Joy FM’s Top Story. Mr. Hammond was asked if the OSP or the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) had approached Dr. Donkor. The inquiry follows developments in the United States concerning the Aksa Energy transaction. Dr. Donkor served as the Power Minister when Ghana negotiated the agreement with Aksa Energy.
This situation adds to Ghana's broader efforts to combat corruption and ensure transparency in public contracts. The Aksa Energy controversy highlights the scrutiny placed on major energy deals and the roles of government officials. Past instances of alleged financial misconduct in the energy sector have often led to public outcry and demands for accountability. This case resonates with ongoing public interest in how large-scale government contracts are awarded and managed.
Mr. Hammond firmly stated that Dr. Donkor denies any improper conduct. He said, “He didn’t meet this man, Berko. He never negotiated with him. He never made any demand.” This refers to Asante Berko, the former Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), who has been implicated in the US investigation. Dr. Donkor's lawyer maintains that his client only played an oversight role, ensuring the agreement was prepared for parliamentary ratification.
The implications of this denial are significant for the ongoing investigations by Ghanaian authorities. The OSP and EOCO are actively examining the Aksa Energy deal to determine if any Ghanaian officials received improper payments. Future developments will depend on whether the OSP formally contacts Dr. Donkor and what evidence emerges from their investigations. The public and financial markets will watch closely for any findings that could impact government integrity or future energy sector investments.
Mr. Hammond further clarified that Dr. Donkor never demanded or received money related to the transaction. He stressed that if anyone made demands using the former minister's name, they acted without his permission. Such actions, he argued, would be for the individual's own benefit, not Dr. Donkor's. This defense aims to distance the former minister from any alleged illicit financial activities.
The lawyer also defended the technical officials who traveled to Istanbul to inspect equipment for the power project. He explained that these inspections are standard practice for large power projects. Engineers and technical representatives from relevant institutions must verify the quality and suitability of equipment before it arrives in Ghana. This process ensures that Ghana receives the agreed-upon infrastructure for its energy needs.
The Aksa Energy case continues to draw attention to the procurement processes within Ghana's power sector. It underscores the need for robust oversight and accountability mechanisms in major government contracts. The outcomes of the OSP and EOCO investigations will be crucial in shaping public perception and potentially influencing future policy reforms in Ghana's energy sector governance.