Ghana's Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has called for a swift and thorough investigation into the Aksa power plant bribery allegations. This demand follows renewed attention to the controversial transaction after a US prosecution brought the allegations back into the spotlight. Dafeamekpor stated that Ghana's probe must not be allowed to drag on, insisting on immediate action.
The South Dayi MP made these comments on JoyNews' Newsfile on Saturday, August 15. He highlighted that the matter has been in the public domain for over a decade. The US prosecution involving former Goldman Sachs banker Asante Kwaku Berko reignited interest in the deal. Dafeamekpor believes the US court ruling provides a clear basis for Ghanaian authorities to proceed with their own inquiry.
This renewed focus on the Aksa scandal fits into Ghana's broader struggle with public sector corruption and accountability. Past administrations have faced criticism for slow or incomplete investigations into alleged financial misconduct. Ensuring transparency and holding officials accountable remains a critical challenge for the nation's economic governance. The call for speed reflects a desire to break from previous patterns of delayed justice.
“My point is that the OSP indicated that they have offered tremendous assistance in terms of investigations from here to back the prosecution of the case in the US,” Dafeamekpor said. He added that the involvement of Ghanaian institutions in assisting US authorities shows the matter is within the country's prosecutorial reach. This prior cooperation should facilitate a quicker domestic investigation.
The implications are significant for public trust and Ghana's investment climate. A swift and transparent investigation could signal a stronger commitment to combating corruption. Decision-makers will watch how prosecutorial and investigative institutions respond to this call. The outcome could set a precedent for how Ghana handles allegations of financial impropriety involving public officials and large-scale transactions.
Dafeamekpor also responded to calls from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) for an independent investigation. He described the NPP’s position as “very interesting,” noting the allegations' long history. He suggested the Office of the Attorney-General might have waited for a final determination in the US before proceeding domestically. Despite questioning the NPP's distrust, Dafeamekpor supported further investigations in Ghana.
He stressed that the objective must be to uncover the truth, not to protect individuals or pursue political interests. “Let us all agree that we need to do a further enquiry on our own,” he urged. He added that if anyone is found guilty, the law must take its course. This emphasis on impartiality is crucial for the credibility of any probe.
The Majority Chief Whip maintained that Ghana must strengthen its approach to accountability. He expressed concern that allegations of misconduct often lead to public discussion without meaningful sanctions. “We are not punishing some of these things well enough,” he stated, highlighting a systemic issue. This lack of accountability can erode public confidence in governance.
Dafeamekpor argued that accountability should not end when an individual leaves public office. He said former public officials should remain answerable for decisions and actions taken while in office. “Even if you left office 10 years ago and some breaches and impropriety have been found,” he explained, “you can be recalled.” This principle aims to foster a stronger culture of public responsibility.
He believes such measures would send a clear message to future generations. “Until we begin to do those things and demand proper accountability, our future generations won’t take us seriously,” he warned. This long-term perspective underscores the importance of the current investigation. It is not just about one case but about establishing enduring standards.
Dafeamekpor is therefore in favour of subjecting the Aksa transaction to further scrutiny. He urged investigators not to allow the matter to lose momentum. “This matter must not slack; we must pursue with purpose and speed and dispatch,” he reiterated. The lawmaker outlined a process involving establishing facts, preparing a report, and making recommendations for prosecution if warranted. The passage of time, he concluded, should not be an excuse for abandoning justice.