The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has named former Power Minister Kwabena Donkor and four other individuals as persons of interest. This identification is part of the OSP's ongoing investigation into the Ghanaian aspect of the Asante Kweku Berko bribery case. This significant development highlights the OSP's commitment to tackling corruption within the public sector.
The other individuals named include Francis Walkson Kwesi Gyata, a former technical adviser to the Minister of Power, and Solomon Adjetey Sowah, a former deputy director at the Ministry of Power. Lindin George Nii Mettle, a former director at Tricop Group Limited, and Baffour Ankomah Brobbey, an employee of Tricop Group Limited, were also identified. These individuals are linked to a bribery scheme involving more than US$1 million.
This announcement follows the conviction of Asante Kweku Berko by a federal jury in Brooklyn, New York, on August 3, 2026. Berko, a dual citizen of Ghana and the United States, was found guilty of conspiring to pay bribes to multiple Ghanaian officials. The alleged payments occurred between 2014 and 2015, impacting a critical energy infrastructure project. The OSP provided investigative and evidentiary assistance to US authorities through Ghana's mutual legal assistance framework.
Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng disclosed these details at a press conference, providing an update on the OSP's investigation. He stressed that a “person of interest” is not automatically a suspect. This distinction is crucial in legal proceedings, preventing premature conclusions. Mr. Agyebeng explained that these classifications have different meanings and should not be confused. He reiterated that identification does not imply criminal culpability until guilt is proven beyond reasonable doubt in court.
The bribery scheme was connected to the development and financing of a 370-megawatt fuel oil plant in Tema. This project involved the Republic of Ghana, Turkish energy company AXA Energy Eratim, and Goldman Sachs. Such large-scale energy projects are vital for Ghana's economic stability and development. Allegations of corruption in these sectors can deter foreign investment and increase project costs, ultimately affecting Ghanaian citizens through higher utility tariffs or taxes.
The OSP's investigation into the Ghanaian dimension remains active and comprehensive. Mr. Agyebeng noted that Berko's conviction in the United States does not automatically lead to prosecutions in Ghana. Each individual's conduct must be assessed under Ghanaian law, supported by lawfully obtained evidence. The OSP will only prosecute where evidence establishes a proper basis. This ensures due process and adherence to national legal standards.
Beyond the named five, the OSP also identified other persons of interest. These include current and former employees of the Volta River Authority, Ghana Grid Company Limited, and the Electricity Company of Ghana. Staff from the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission and the former Ministry of Power are also under scrutiny. This broad scope indicates a thorough examination of all entities potentially involved in the bribery scheme.
The implications for Ghana's energy sector and public finance are significant. Allegations of bribery in major infrastructure projects can erode public trust and damage Ghana's international reputation. The OSP's diligent pursuit of this case demonstrates a commitment to transparency and accountability. This could encourage better governance practices in future public-private partnerships. Investors will closely watch the OSP's progress, as successful prosecution could signal a stronger anti-corruption environment.
This ongoing investigation underscores the challenges Ghana faces in combating corruption, particularly in high-value sectors. The OSP's actions are critical for upholding the rule of law and ensuring that public resources are managed responsibly. The outcome of these investigations will set an important precedent for future cases involving economic crimes. It will also test the OSP's capacity to deliver justice in complex international bribery cases.