Aksa bribery scandal: Ghana’s probe must be pursued with speed – Dafeamekpor

The Majority Chief Whip of Ghana, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has called for a swift and thorough investigation into allegations of bribery tied to the Aksa power plant transaction. Dafeamekpor, a South Dayi MP, made these remarks on JoyNews’ Newsfile on August 15, emphasizing the need for the investigation to proceed with "purpose and speed and dispatch" once there is a basis from the court ruling in the United States.

The Aksa power transaction has been a subject of controversy for over a decade, recently resurfacing due to a U.S. prosecution involving former Goldman Sachs banker Asante Kwaku Berko, who was accused of bribery related to the power deal.

Dafeamekpor noted that Ghanaian prosecutorial and investigative institutions have already assisted U.S. authorities in their investigations, indicating that the matter is not beyond the reach of Ghanaian authorities. However, he acknowledged the opposition New Patriotic Party's (NPP) desire for an independent investigation, suggesting that the Attorney-General may be hesitant to lead such an inquiry until the U.S. case concludes.

Despite some skepticism about the NPP's stance, Dafeamekpor supported additional investigations in Ghana, stressing that the goal should be to uncover the truth rather than protecting individuals or advancing political interests. He called for accountability to be maintained even for former public officials, stating that if subsequent investigations reveal wrongdoing from their tenure, those individuals should still be held accountable.

Dafeamekpor emphasized the importance of strengthening accountability measures within Ghana, particularly in cases involving public officials, to prevent a culture of lax enforcement and ensure future generations take the nation seriously. He urged investigators to pursue the matter with urgency, ensuring that any breaches of the law are addressed promptly and thoroughly.