The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has confirmed that it is actively investigating several high-profile Ghanaian figures, including a former Minister of State and public servants, in connection with the international bribery scheme involving former Goldman Sachs investment banker Asante Kwaku Berko.
However, the anti-graft agency stated that it will not publicly disclose sensitive operational details or individual identities at this stage, citing the need to protect the integrity of evidence and future criminal prosecutions.
Request from US Authorities and International Cooperation
In a statement signed by Acting Executive Director Raymond Archer, EOCO revealed that its Ghanaian investigation originated last year following an official request from US law enforcement authorities.
The request sought crucial information on specific Ghanaian individuals believed to be tied to the bribery scheme, which aimed to secure a lucrative power plant contract for Turkish energy firm Aksa Enerji Uretim A.S. during Ghana’s 2015 energy crisis.
EOCO emphasized that its decision to monitor the US judicial process before taking major domestic action was deliberate:
Evidence-Based Approach: EOCO noted that the evidence presented during Berko’s Brooklyn trial was essential for defining the scope of Ghana’s domestic inquiry.
Lawful Escalation: Following Berko's conviction in the US, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, directed EOCO to step up its investigation as official court records and evidence are formally retrieved from US counterparts through international legal cooperation channels.
Asset Recovery and Independent Assessment
EOCO highlighted that its investigative plan extends beyond criminal liability to focus heavily on asset tracing and recovery.
"Where economic or organised crime results in the unlawful acquisition or dissipation of public resources, the recovery of such resources is an essential component of the investigative and enforcement process," the statement read.
The agency noted that it will follow the financial trail to identify any proceeds, benefits, or property derived from suspected criminal conduct, taking legal steps toward preservation and restitution to the state.
At the same time, EOCO cautioned that the US court verdict against Asante Berko does not automatically establish criminal guilt for individuals in Ghana. Every person named in the evidence will be assessed independently under Ghanaian law based on specific, admissible proof.
