EOCO escalates Ghana investigation into Asante Berko bribery case after US conviction

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has intensified its investigation into the Ghanaian aspect of the bribery case linked to Asante Kwaku Berko, a former Goldman Sachs banker and former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Managing Director. This escalation came after the US convicted Berko for alleged bribery related to his time in the private sector.

In a statement on August 10, 2026, EOCO revealed it had received a request from US counterparts the previous year. This request sought information about specific individuals in Ghana who were relevant to the investigations, including a former Minister of State and public servants. EOCO, in collaboration with the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, began preliminary work on the Ghanaian aspects of the matter upon receiving the request.

EOCO monitored the US proceedings closely due to the international nature of the case. They found the evidence from the US proceedings potentially material for determining the scope of the investigation in Ghana. The Office emphasized that investigative work must be evidence-based, lawful, and capable of supporting subsequent criminal proceedings and asset recovery.

After the US proceedings concluded and Berko's conviction, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice engaged US authorities to obtain necessary evidence for the Ghanaian investigation. EOCO stated that the Attorney-General has directed them to escalate the investigation as they obtain relevant information and official records from US authorities.

EOCO assured that the investigation will be independent and conducted in line with Ghanaian law. They cautioned that Berko's US conviction does not automatically establish criminal liability in Ghana. Any individual appearing in the evidence obtained through international cooperation will be assessed independently based on their specific evidence and in accordance with Ghanaian law.

EOCO's collaboration with US law enforcement and the Attorney-General's Office continues. They reaffirmed that sensitive operational information will not be disclosed to avoid compromising ongoing investigations and future prosecutions.