AKSA Energy deal: Ghana must conduct own investigations despite US conviction – Osae-Kwapong

Democracy and Development Fellow at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development, John Osae-Kwapong, has called for Ghana to conduct its own investigations into the AKSA Energy deal despite previous actions taken by U.S. authorities. According to Osae-Kwapong, the case raises concerns about the integrity of public office and Ghana's public procurement processes.

While acknowledging that the U.S. has taken action against the individual involved, Osae-Kwapong emphasized that Ghana must also examine what happened in the transaction. He stated, "Of course we would have to get to, I know on the U.S. side they have dealt with the issue and the individual involved. But I believe that it is also incumbent upon us, as part of our fight against corruption and to ensure integrity in government, that it is incumbent upon us to also further look into this matter."

Osae-Kwapong highlighted that Ghana has consistently committed to strengthening integrity in public office and combating corruption. The allegations surrounding the AKSA Energy deal have once again underscored the need for stronger measures to prevent corruption and ensure transparent public procurement processes. Civil society organizations and anti-corruption campaigners have called for Ghanaian authorities to investigate possible local involvement in the bribery scheme.

The recent conviction of a former Tema Oil Refinery Managing Director in the United States for bribery-related offenses connected to a power plant deal involving Ghana has further heightened scrutiny. Osae-Kwapong stressed that a domestic investigation would be crucial in determining whether Ghanaian public officials or institutions violated procurement rules or compromised the integrity of the transaction.

He emphasized that such an investigation would also demonstrate Ghana's commitment to accountability and the fight against corruption in public office.