Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor has challenged Ghana to demonstrate that accountability does not expire for public officials. He called for renewed investigations into the AKSA power deal and appropriate sanctions for any established breaches. This intervention follows a US criminal case that has revived questions about alleged payments to Ghanaian officials.
The South Dayi MP stated that the central issue is establishing facts and ensuring action, not which institution leads the investigation. His comments come as a US criminal case involving former Goldman Sachs banker Asante Kwaku Berko has brought the AKSA power project back into focus. The allegations involve payments to public officials connected to the Turkish energy company Aksa Enerji.
This renewed scrutiny highlights Ghana's ongoing struggle with public sector accountability and corruption. The country has faced criticism for its perceived inability to effectively prosecute high-profile corruption cases. Data from Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index often places Ghana in the lower half globally, indicating persistent challenges. The AKSA deal, dating back to the mid-2010s, represents a significant transaction that passed through Ghana's governmental and parliamentary processes. This situation underscores the need for robust domestic legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms.
“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 highlighted that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) provided substantial investigative assistance to US authorities. This suggests Ghanaian institutions already possess relevant information and knowledge regarding the case. This involvement strengthens the argument for a thorough Ghanaian inquiry.
The implications are significant for Ghana's anti-corruption efforts and investor confidence. A credible domestic investigation could restore public trust in institutions and signal a commitment to rule of law. Failure to act independently might reinforce perceptions of impunity, potentially deterring foreign direct investment. Decision-makers will watch how Ghanaian authorities respond to these renewed calls for accountability. The outcome could influence future legislative and enforcement actions against corruption.
The AKSA controversy originated in the mid-2010s when Aksa Enerji sought to develop a power plant in Ghana. US prosecutors allege that Berko, then a Goldman Sachs banker, participated in a scheme to bribe Ghanaian officials. These alleged bribes were intended to secure and retain business for Aksa Enerji. Berko faces charges in the United States for violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and money laundering. These allegations first emerged publicly in 2020.
In 2020, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a civil enforcement action against Berko. The SEC alleged that payments were made through an intermediary for the power project. Some of these funds were reportedly intended for Ghanaian government officials. Berko has consistently denied these allegations, stating in 2020 that claims of bribing Ghanaian officials or MPs were false. The ongoing criminal case has, however, brought the controversy back into international focus.
In July 2026, US prosecutors informed a federal jury in Brooklyn about the alleged scheme. They claimed Berko and his associates outside Goldman Sachs paid over US$1 million in bribes. These payments were reportedly made to high-ranking Ghanaian officials in connection with the power project. It is crucial to remember that these remain allegations until proven in court. The US legal process is distinct from Ghana's domestic legal obligations.
Dafeamekpor also questioned the ruling New Patriotic Party's (NPP) stated lack of confidence in the Attorney-General. The NPP suggested the Attorney-General was not the appropriate institution to lead a fresh Ghanaian investigation. Dafeamekpor described this position as “very interesting,” noting the controversy has existed for over 10 years. He suggested the Attorney-General's Office might have previously waited for a US determination. However, with new information from the US proceedings, the time for Ghana to act is now.
A strong aspect of Dafeamekpor's intervention was his critique of Ghana's broader approach to public accountability. He argued that Ghana frequently discusses corruption allegations but fails to impose meaningful sanctions. “We are not punishing some of these things well enough, and so we all speak about it and we leave it,” he stated. This creates a cycle where controversies generate headlines but lack institutional consequences. He stressed that leaving public office should not shield individuals from accountability for past actions. “Even if you left office 10 years ago and some breaches and impropriety have been found as part of your work when you were in office, you can be recalled back,” he warned. He concluded that without genuine accountability, future generations will not take Ghana's institutions seriously. This highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms in Ghana's anti-corruption framework.