Former Minister for Power, Dr. Kwabena Donkor, has forcefully denied allegations linking him to a high-profile international bribery scheme, following the conviction of former Goldman Sachs executive and former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Managing Director Asante Kwaku Berko in the United States.
In a formal statement released through his legal counsel, Cavendish Chambers, Dr. Donkor rejected any suggestion that he demanded or received funds from Berko, or that he was involved in any illicit transactions connected to a 2015 emergency power agreement.
Key Highlights of the Case and Response
Escalating Public Scrutiny and Legal Warnings
US Court Conviction: On August 6, 2026, a federal jury in Brooklyn, New York, convicted Asante Kwaku Berko on charges including violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and money laundering conspiracy. US prosecutors established that Berko arranged over $1 million in bribes to Ghanaian officials to secure a multi-million dollar power plant deal for Turkish energy firm Aksa Enerji Uretim A.S.
Firm Denial of Contact: Dr. Donkor's legal team emphasized that the former minister has never met, communicated with, or set eyes on Berko at any point in his life.
No Financial Inducement: The statement clarified that Dr. Donkor never requested, authorized, or accepted any form of payment or personal benefit from Berko or intermediaries in relation to the Aksa deal.
Legitimate State Negotiations: While acknowledging that the Ministry of Power negotiated with Aksa Energy in 2015 during Ghana’s severe power crisis (dumsor), Dr. Donkor maintained that all actions—including standard pre-shipment technical inspections in Turkey—followed transparent, institutional processes.
Rejection of "Third-Party" Claims: Counsel argued that statements or emails from third parties claiming to require funds for a "Senior Ghana Official" do not constitute evidence of criminal wrongdoing or receipt of money by Dr. Donkor.
The conviction of Berko in the US has renewed intense public debate in Ghana regarding public sector accountability, with civil society organizations and media commentators calling for local law enforcement authorities, including the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), to review trial records and investigate all domestic actors mentioned in the court proceedings.
Dr. Donkor’s legal representatives cautioned that any media outlet or individual making defamatory assertions or falsely linking him to criminal conduct would face immediate legal action.
