Businessman and economist Dr. Kofi Amoah has challenged President John Mahama to pursue Ghanaian officials implicated in a bribery and money-laundering scheme. This call follows the recent conviction of Asante Kwaku Berko, a former Managing Director of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), in the United States. Berko's conviction, linked to a Ghanaian power project, provides critical evidence for Ghana to act.
Dr. Amoah argues that the US judicial process, with UK cooperation, has already done the difficult part. It brought the case to judgment and provided information that could help Ghana identify officials and parliamentarians involved. Prosecutors alleged Berko and co-conspirators paid over $1 million in bribes to Ghanaian government officials. These payments aimed to secure approvals for a power plant transaction involving the Government of Ghana and Turkish energy company Aksa Energy.
This situation fits into Ghana's broader struggle against corruption, which has long hindered economic development. Ghana has established anti-corruption institutions like the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Office of the Special Prosecutor. It has also enacted numerous laws to combat corruption. Despite these efforts, corruption continues to deprive ordinary citizens of resources for development. The alleged involvement of Ghanaian officials in this scheme highlights persistent challenges in holding powerful individuals accountable.
Dr. Amoah urged President Mahama to direct the Attorney-General to pursue this matter. He stated, “Have your Attorney-General pursue this case.” He believes Ghana must put “teeth” behind its stated opposition to corruption. This means pursuing those connected to what he termed the “dumsor” corruption scandal. The US authorities have not yet identified the Ghanaian officials named in the case.
The conviction of Asante Kwaku Berko presents a significant moment for Ghana's anti-corruption efforts. Berko was found guilty of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, violating the Act, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The US Department of Justice confirmed Berko's key role in the power plant transaction. Prosecutors alleged payments were discussed in connection with Ghana’s Minister of Power, a senior adviser, and members of Parliament. These individuals had ratified the agreement.
Dr. Amoah emphasized that President Mahama returned to office with a strong anti-corruption message. This included the ORAL initiative, or Operation Recover All Loot. He argued that the Berko conviction offers a chance for the President to show that the fight against corruption is not politically selective. Dr. Amoah noted that while ORAL targets individuals from the previous governing party, those implicated in the “dumsor” corruption case appear largely associated with the current government. This makes the moment particularly important for demonstrating principled anti-corruption commitment.
He made a direct appeal to President Mahama not to let this opportunity pass. Dr. Amoah described it as a potentially once-in-a-generation chance to confront corruption at its most fertile centers: government ministries and Parliament. He believes the conviction could mark a turning point in Ghana’s long struggle against corruption. This requires the government to follow the evidence and pursue accountability on the Ghanaian side. Dr. Amoah framed this as an opportunity for President Mahama to move beyond declarations and demonstrate action. He stressed that corruption must have consequences, regardless of who is implicated. “Corruption must never pay; Ghana must act,” Dr. Amoah declared, linking the fight against corruption to Ghana's broader development trajectory.