Ghana's New Patriotic Party (NPP) has publicly questioned the Attorney General, Dr. Dominic Ayine's, capacity to independently investigate and prosecute individuals connected to the controversial AKSA energy deal. This concern arises after former Goldman Sachs employee Asante Kwaku Berko was convicted in the United States for bribery activities linked to the same deal.
The NPP asserts that Berko's US conviction necessitates a comprehensive Ghanaian investigation into the local aspects of the AKSA deal. The party demands appropriate action against anyone found involved in wrongdoing. Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, speaking on August 14, 2026, stated the NPP's lack of confidence in the Attorney General's impartiality.
This development fits into a broader narrative of accountability concerns within Ghana's political landscape. The NPP highlights a pattern of the Attorney General discontinuing high-profile criminal cases involving figures linked to the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC). Such actions, including the filing of nolle prosequi, have previously halted criminal proceedings against accused persons, raising questions about the recovery of public funds and taxpayer burden.
Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah specifically referenced several cases where Dr. Ayine, since taking office on January 22, 2025, filed nolle prosequi. These include the SSNIT scandal, the Saglemi housing project case, COCOBOD-related cases, and the UniBank case. These decisions, according to the NPP, have created serious doubts about the government's commitment to transparency and justice.
The NPP's stance implies that the Attorney General cannot effectively command public trust for an impartial investigation into allegations involving politically connected persons within the NDC. The party argues that the perceived lack of independence could allow corruption to go unpunished, undermining the rule of law and public confidence in state institutions. This situation could deter foreign investment and impact Ghana's standing in international anti-corruption indices.
Consequently, the NPP is calling for a robust and credible investigation into the Ghanaian side of the AKSA deal. The party insists that any individual implicated in the wrongdoing must face the full force of the law. This demand places significant pressure on the Attorney General's office to demonstrate impartiality and uphold accountability, especially given the international dimension of the bribery conviction. The outcome of this call will be closely watched by civil society organizations, international partners, and the Ghanaian public who seek justice and transparency in public dealings.