Ghana's Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has publicly defended Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Dr. Dominic Ayine's handling of the alleged bribery scandal surrounding the Aksa power deal. Mr. Dafeamekpor stated that previous administrations failed to act decisively on the matter, making the current investigation a welcome development.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Mr. Dafeamekpor emphasized that the ongoing investigation should proceed without partisan interference. He pointed to the resignation of former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Managing Director Asante Kwaku Berko, which occurred while Gloria Akuffo served as Attorney-General. Mr. Dafeamekpor noted that neither Ms. Akuffo nor her then-deputy, Godfred Dame, initiated any action at that time. This historical context underscores the perceived laxity in addressing the issue previously.
This renewed focus on the Aksa deal fits into Ghana's broader efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability in public contracts. The nation has faced international scrutiny over such allegations, impacting investor confidence and public trust. The current administration's decision to revisit the matter, despite its origins in previous political eras, signals a potential shift towards more rigorous enforcement. This approach could strengthen Ghana's institutional frameworks for fighting economic crime.
Mr. Dafeamekpor highlighted that Godfred Dame later served as Attorney-General from 2021 to 2024, yet the Aksa matter remained unaddressed. He stated, “In 2021, Godfred Dame became Attorney-General for four years. The NPP can say that they don’t like Dr Ayine, but the man’s second year into his reign as Attorney-General is dealing with the matter, which is more preferable.” This statement directly attributes inaction to specific past officeholders, contrasting it with the current Attorney-General's steps.
The implications of this renewed probe are significant for Ghana's governance and economic landscape. A thorough investigation could lead to accountability for alleged wrongdoing, potentially recovering state assets or imposing penalties on individuals involved. Decision-makers and markets will closely watch the Attorney-General's progress, as a credible resolution could enhance Ghana's reputation for upholding the rule of law. Conversely, any perceived political interference or lack of transparency could undermine public confidence.
Mr. Dafeamekpor urged critics to allow Dr. Ayine to complete the process without distraction. He proposed that relevant state institutions, including the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), collaborate with legal and civil society experts. This multi-agency approach aims to ensure a comprehensive examination of the allegations. Such collaboration is crucial for building a strong case and demonstrating a unified front against corruption.
The focus, according to Mr. Dafeamekpor, should be on the circumstances surrounding the transaction and the alleged corruption, rather than the power plant's performance. He clarified that the agreement stipulated payment only upon power supply. Therefore, the plant's operational efficiency, whether 52 percent or 16 percent, is not the primary concern for the bribery investigation. This distinction helps to narrow the scope of the probe to the alleged illicit payments.
The Aksa deal has come under renewed scrutiny following criminal prosecution in the United States against Mr. Berko. US authorities allege that Mr. Berko participated in a scheme to bribe Ghanaian government officials. These alleged activities aimed to secure approvals for the power plant project between December 2014 and March 2017. Mr. Berko has denied these bribery allegations, and his criminal case remains subject to the US judicial process.
Mr. Dafeamekpor emphasized that the matter should now be pursued on its merits. He believes that relevant institutions must establish whether wrongdoing occurred and identify any public officials who should be held accountable. This principled stance seeks to depoliticize the investigation and focus on legal facts. The outcome of this probe could set an important precedent for future dealings involving foreign companies and Ghanaian officials.
The call for inter-agency cooperation and a focus on the merits of the case reflects a desire for a robust and impartial investigation. The involvement of bodies like EOCO and OSP, alongside the Attorney-General's Office, suggests a comprehensive approach. This could lead to a more credible and widely accepted resolution. The public and international community will be observing closely to see if this commitment to accountability translates into concrete action and results.