OSP defends role in Asante Berko conviction, names five persons of interest

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has identified Kwabena Donkor, a former Power Minister, and four others as the primary individuals of interest in the Ghanaian aspect of the Asante Kweku Berko bribery case. The other individuals named are Francis Walkson Kwesi Gyata, Solomon Adjetey Sowah, Lindin George Nii Mettle, and Baffour Ankomah Brobbey. The OSP issued this declaration during a press conference to provide an update on their investigation into the case.

Kissi Agyebeng, the Special Prosecutor, clarified that being designated as a person of interest does not equate to a finding of criminal liability. Rather, it signifies that the individual is under consideration within the investigation, but not necessarily suspected of wrongdoing. This point was emphasized to prevent any misinterpretations regarding the classification of being a person of interest.

The OSP's investigation continues, and it made known that Berko's conviction in the United States does not automatically permit prosecution in Ghana. Each individual's actions must be evaluated under Ghanaian law and supported by evidence obtained legally, sufficient to prosecute. Donkor, the former Power Minister, has firmly denied involvement in the bribery allegations against Berko, asserting that he has never had any interaction with Berko, solicited money from him, or received any personal gain related to the power deal.

His legal team, Cavendish Chambers, also echoed this denial, emphasizing their client's complete lack of familiarity with the allegations and their vehement rejection of any knowledge of a monetary request or demand.