K.T. Hammond, a lawyer representing former Power Minister Dr. Kwabena Donkor, has defended a Ghanaian technical team's trip to Istanbul, Turkey. He stated the visit was standard due diligence for the controversial Aksa Energy power deal. The inspection aimed to verify power-generation equipment before its shipment to Ghana.
Mr. Hammond emphasized that physically inspecting the equipment was crucial. This ensured it met required standards and could deliver the expected 370 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity. Ghana faced a severe power crisis, known as 'Dumsor', at the time. Technical verification was therefore critical to ensure the equipment was fit for purpose.
This defense follows renewed scrutiny of the Aksa Energy deal. A US federal jury recently convicted former Tema Oil Refinery Managing Director Asante Kwaku Berko. He was found guilty of paying over US$1 million in bribes to Ghanaian officials. These bribes were linked to the development and financing of a power plant in Ghana.
Mr. Hammond clarified that the Istanbul inspection was an institutional process. It involved technical personnel from various Ghanaian power sector agencies, including the Volta River Authority (VRA). He stressed that the procedure always involves technical experts going on site. They inspect and confirm the integrity of equipment being received.
Dr. Donkor, who served as Power Minister during the transaction, has denied any involvement with Berko. He maintains he never received money or had dealings with Berko. Mr. Hammond asserts that Dr. Donkor should not be held responsible for any alleged misconduct by individuals acting independently. He stated that if anyone made scandalous demands on Dr. Donkor's behalf, it was without his authorization.
The Aksa Energy deal was finalized during Ghana's prolonged power crisis. The government sought additional generation capacity to address persistent electricity shortages. The US prosecution of Berko has prompted calls for scrutiny of the Ghanaian side of the transaction. This includes examining the conduct of officials involved in negotiating, approving, or facilitating the deal.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor previously provided investigative assistance to US authorities in the Berko case. The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has also initiated investigations. EOCO is tracing potential assets or proceeds connected to suspected criminal conduct in Ghana. Mr. Hammond's account, however, frames the Istanbul trip as a legitimate technical inspection. It was undertaken as part of Ghana's urgent efforts to secure reliable power-generation equipment during the 'Dumsor' crisis.