$1m bribery scheme: ‘I’m not so instructed’ – Lawyer on whether OSP has contacted Kwabena Donkor

Kwabena Donkor, a former Power Minister, claims his lawyer, K.T. Hammond, has not received any instructions from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) regarding allegations of bribery connected to the Aksa Energy deal. Hammond made the statement on Joy FM’s Top Story, responding to questions about the OSP's involvement following U.S. developments related to the Aksa Energy agreement.

When asked directly if Dr Donkor had been contacted by the OSP connected to the matter, Hammond answered, "I’m not so instructed." The case involves scrutiny of the Aksa Energy power agreement and possible payments related to the transaction. Donkor, who oversaw the transaction's preparation for Parliament's ratification, denies any improper conduct.

He stated that Dr Donkor only supervised activities at the ministry and that he never met or negotiated with Asante Berko, the former Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR). Hammond also denied that Dr Donkor demanded or received any money during the transaction, explaining that any unauthorized demand would not have been authorized by Donkor.

The lawyer defended the involvement of technical officials who visited Istanbul to inspect equipment for the power project, stating that such inspections are typical for significant power projects to verify equipment quality, quantity, and suitability. The Aksa Energy controversy has sparked renewed attention to the roles of government officials and other stakeholders in the power procurement process.