Ghana's Attorney General has announced a comprehensive investigation into individuals implicated in a bribery scheme connected to a power plant project. This probe involves Turkish energy company Aksa Enerji and follows the conviction of Ghanaian-American former Goldman Sachs Investment Banker, Asante Kwaku Berko, in a United States federal court. Berko was found guilty in Brooklyn, New York, for his part in an alleged plan to bribe Ghanaian government officials to facilitate the project.
The investigation by the Attorney General aims to bring to justice those involved in the alleged scheme. Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Justice Srem Sai, confirmed the Attorney General is collaborating with U.S. authorities on this matter. Berko's conviction included charges of conspiracy to violate the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), violation of the FCPA, and money laundering conspiracy, underscoring the severity of the allegations.
This development fits into a broader narrative of Ghana's ongoing struggle with corruption, which has significant economic and political ramifications. Allegations of bribery in large-scale infrastructure projects can deter foreign investment and erode public trust in government institutions. The case highlights the need for robust anti-corruption measures and transparent governance to ensure fair economic practices and protect national resources.
Justice Srem Sai stated on his X account, "The Honourable Attorney-General is working with his United States counterparts to bring to book persons who are implicated in the bribery scheme related to the 2014-2017 power plant development contract between a Turkish energy company and the Government." This statement confirms the commitment to international cooperation in addressing the alleged illicit activities.
The U.S. Department of Justice has provided specific details regarding the alleged bribe payments and their distribution. According to U.S. authorities, Berko and his co-conspirators paid and conspired to pay bribes to individuals at various levels of the Ghanaian government. These payments were intended to ensure Aksa secured its bid to construct and operate the power plant, impacting a critical energy sector project.
In April 2015, discussions allegedly involved paying $1 million (approximately GHS 12 million) to the Ghanaian Minister of Power and $250,000 to the minister's senior adviser. These payments were reportedly to secure crucial approvals for the project. Further allegations include bribes paid to five Ghanaian officials during an all-expenses-paid trip to Turkey to inspect equipment for the power plant, indicating a systematic approach to influence decision-makers.
After Parliament ratified the agreement in July 2015, communications reportedly continued concerning additional payments. In August 2015, discussions revolved around $250,000 in bribe payments, with $46,000 allegedly going to Members of Parliament who had ratified the agreement. The U.S. Government claims Berko personally paid the $46,000 to these Members of Parliament, directly linking him to the alleged payments to lawmakers.
The U.S. Department of Justice also cited a communication where an alleged recipient awaited the "holy rain," a term prosecutors interpreted as referring to a bribe payment. This communication suggested an expectation of prompt payment. The payments were allegedly concealed and laundered through various means, including shell companies, sham invoices, nominee account holders, and cash withdrawals, using U.S. and foreign bank accounts.
Former Energy Minister, Dr. Kwabena Donkor, has denied any wrongdoing in connection with the project. In a Facebook post, Dr. Donkor asserted there was no bidding process requiring bribes to secure the contract. He stated he never interacted with Berko, describing him as neither an agent nor local partner of Aksa. Dr. Donkor also denied traveling to Turkey for negotiations, clarifying that the government negotiating team comprised representatives from multiple institutions, including the Ministry of Power, ECG, PURC, and the Attorney-General’s Office. He maintained that the negotiated tariff was the cheapest among emergency power plants at the time and that no payment was made to him or received in his name.
Professor Godfred Bokpin, a Professor of Finance and Economics at the University of Ghana, has expressed concerns about the normalization of corruption. Speaking on Newsfile, Prof. Bokpin noted that bribery appears to have become a part of the lifestyle, suggesting that politicians exploit national crises for personal gain. This sentiment underscores the broader societal challenge posed by such allegations.
The ongoing investigation will determine the full extent of the alleged corruption and identify all implicated parties. The outcome will be crucial for Ghana's reputation and its efforts to combat financial crime. Decision-makers and markets will closely watch the progress of this probe, as it could influence investor confidence and future governance reforms. The collaboration with U.S. authorities signifies a commitment to transparency and accountability in Ghana's public sector.