Ghana's opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has declared it lacks confidence in the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine. The party believes Dr. Ayine cannot independently investigate or prosecute individuals implicated in bribery allegations concerning the AKSA Energy power project.
The NPP argues that any investigation must inspire public trust. This is especially important because some individuals under scrutiny are allegedly connected to the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC). The party held a press briefing at its Accra headquarters on Thursday, August 13, to voice these concerns.
This stance by the NPP fits into a larger narrative of political accountability and transparency in Ghana. Past administrations have faced similar scrutiny regarding the handling of high-profile cases. The AKSA Energy deal itself involves significant public funds, making its integrity crucial for the nation's economic health. The allegations follow the conviction of a former Goldman Sachs banker in the US linked to the project.
Manhyia South MP, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, stated, "The NPP wishes to place on record its lack of confidence in the current Attorney General as far as the handling of this matter is concerned." He accused Dr. Ayine of discontinuing or abandoning prosecutions since January 2025. Mr. Awuah specifically mentioned cases like the SSNIT scandal, the Saglemi Housing Project, and the Unibank case. These decisions, he noted, have raised serious questions about accountability and the recovery of public funds.
The NPP's demands suggest a renewed focus on anti-corruption efforts and judicial independence. The government will likely face pressure to address these concerns to maintain public trust. Investors and international partners will also watch closely for signs of transparent governance. The outcome of this probe could influence future foreign direct investment and Ghana's standing in global corruption indices.
The AKSA Energy power project involves substantial financial commitments, estimated at GHS 4.2 billion. The NPP's concerns highlight the need for robust oversight of such large-scale public contracts. The party is demanding clarification on the identity and role of a person described in US court proceedings as a relative of then-President John Mahama. This individual's alleged involvement in the AKSA deal requires thorough investigation. The NPP wants to know if this person received money and for what purpose. This echoes past controversies, such as the Airbus case, which also involved alleged relatives of high-ranking officials. The investigation must determine if any alleged relative's involvement influenced the project's approval process. The integrity of public procurement processes is vital for Ghana's economic stability and growth. A transparent investigation can help restore confidence in these processes.