The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has intensified its investigation into the Ghanaian dimension of a bribery case involving former Goldman Sachs investment banker Asante Kwaku Berko. This escalation follows Mr. Berko's conviction by a United States court for bribery connected to his activities in Ghana's power sector. EOCO is now actively tracing and recovering assets and proceeds suspected to be linked to the alleged criminal conduct.
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice engaged appropriate U.S. authorities to obtain evidence, records, and other information needed for the Ghanaian investigation. The Attorney-General subsequently directed EOCO to escalate the probe after securing relevant information and official records through lawful international cooperation. This development marks a significant step in Ghana's efforts to address corruption allegations within its critical energy sector.
This investigation fits into Ghana's broader fight against corruption and economic crime, which has seen increased scrutiny of public officials and foreign entities. The government has emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability, particularly in sectors vital for national development. Previous cases involving alleged financial misconduct have highlighted the need for robust investigative and prosecutorial frameworks to safeguard public resources.
EOCO received a request from its U.S. counterparts last year for information concerning specific individuals in Ghana relevant to the investigations. These individuals included a former Minister of State and other public servants, though their names were not disclosed by EOCO. The office worked with the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice to begin preliminary work on the Ghanaian aspects of the case.
A major component of the intensified investigation will be the tracing and possible recovery of assets and proceeds suspected to be linked to criminal conduct. EOCO stated that asset tracing and recovery form an integral part of its investigative plan. It will examine whether proceeds, benefits, assets, or property have been derived from or connected to suspected criminal conduct, where supported by evidence. The office will pursue measures for the preservation, recovery, and restitution of such assets to the State where the law permits.
EOCO's mandate extends beyond determining whether an offence has been committed; it also includes recovering unlawfully acquired or dissipated public resources. The office intends to follow the financial trail, including relevant transactions, beneficiaries, assets, and proceeds that fall within its jurisdiction. This approach underscores a commitment to not only prosecute but also to reclaim funds lost through illicit activities.
EOCO cautioned against treating the U.S. conviction as automatic proof of criminal liability against individuals in Ghana whose names may emerge from the evidence. The conclusion of proceedings against Mr. Berko in the United States does not, by itself, establish criminal liability for any person in Ghana. Any individual named in evidence obtained through international cooperation will be assessed independently based on evidence relevant to that person and in accordance with Ghanaian law.
The office assured the public that its collaboration with U.S. law-enforcement authorities and the Attorney-General's Office remains active. Obtaining records through lawful international cooperation is critical to ensuring the Ghanaian investigation is comprehensive, evidence-based, and capable of producing a lawful outcome. EOCO acknowledged public interest but stated it would not disclose sensitive operational information that could compromise ongoing investigations or future prosecutions.