EOCO to trace and recover assets linked to Asante Berko bribery probe

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has announced plans to trace and recover assets linked to a bribery investigation involving Ghanaian businessman Asante Kwaku Berko. The move follows Berko's conviction in the United States and the expansion of investigations to include potential accomplices in Ghana. EOCO's statement on August 10 outlined that asset tracing and recovery would be a crucial component of their investigation.

The Office will seek to establish if any proceeds, benefits, assets or property were derived from the alleged criminal activities. If such assets are identified and the law allows, EOCO intends to pursue measures for their preservation, recovery, and restitution to the State. The organization emphasized that their mandate includes not only the establishment of criminal offenses but also the recovery of resources unlawfully acquired or dissipated through economic and organized crime.

EOCO's investigation began after a request from U.S. authorities last year, seeking information on specific individuals in Ghana relevant to the U.S. probe. This request targeted a former Minister of State and other public servants connected to Berko's case. Following Berko's conviction, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice collaborated with U.S. authorities to gather evidence and information necessary for advancing investigations in Ghana.

The Attorney-General subsequently directed EOCO to intensify their efforts as relevant information becomes available through lawful means. EOCO clarified that any asset recovery or enforcement action would be based on evidence and in compliance with Ghanaian law. They also highlighted that Berko's U.S. conviction does not automatically imply criminal liability for anyone in Ghana.