Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has named five individuals as persons of interest in the Ghanaian dimension of the Asante Kweku Berko bribery case. This development marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption surrounding a major power plant project. The OSP's action aims to clarify accountability for issues related to the AKSA deal.
Among those identified is former Power Minister Kwabena Donkor, along with Francis Walkson Kwesi Gyata, a former technical adviser to the Minister of Power. Solomon Adjetey Sowah, a former deputy director at the Ministry of Power, was also named. Lindin George Nii Mettle, a former director at Tricop Group Limited, and Baffour Ankomah Brobbey, an employee of Tricop Group Limited, complete the list. These individuals held positions of authority during the period under investigation, providing clarity on who supervised the matters concerning the AKSA deal.
This action by the OSP follows the conviction of Asante Kweku Berko by a US federal jury on August 3, 2026. Berko, a dual citizen, was found guilty of a bribery scheme involving over US$1 million. The alleged payments occurred between 2014 and 2015 and were connected to the development and financing of a 370-megawatt fuel oil plant in Tema. This plant involved an agreement between the Government of Ghana, Turkish energy company AXA Energy Eratim, and Goldman Sachs. The OSP has provided investigative and evidentiary assistance to the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, contributing to the successful prosecution.
Mary Addah, Executive Director of Transparency International Ghana, lauded the OSP's decision. Speaking on Joy FM's Top Story, Madam Addah stated that naming persons of interest is a positive step towards accountability. She emphasized that being named a person of interest does not imply guilt or a finding of wrongdoing. Addah highlighted that this public identification helps address public questions about who presided over the issues related to the AKSA deal. She added that the investigative process will determine if responsibility extends beyond their status as persons of interest.
The OSP's investigation will now focus on these named individuals to determine their specific roles and any potential culpability. This move signals a renewed commitment to tackling high-level corruption and promoting transparency in public office. Decision-makers and anti-corruption advocates will closely monitor the OSP's progress as it seeks to establish the full extent of the alleged bribery scheme. The outcome could set an important precedent for accountability in Ghana's energy sector and public procurement processes. Further developments in this case will be crucial for public trust and investor confidence.