We worked with the FBI on Asante Berko case – OSP rejects claims it lacks competence

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has dismissed claims that it lacks the necessary expertise to investigate the Ghanaian aspect of the corruption allegations surrounding former Goldman Sachs banker and former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Managing Director, Asante Kwaku Berko. OSP officials contend that the agency played a crucial role in the US prosecution of Mr. Berko by supplying investigative and evidentiary materials to the FBI through Ghana's mutual legal assistance framework.

This support was acknowledged by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) as contributing significantly to the successful prosecution of Mr. Berko. During a media briefing on Wednesday, August 26, OSP Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng challenged assertions that the OSP, despite its US involvement, is not capable of handling the Ghanaian dimension of the case.

He argued that some officials contend the OSP should not be entrusted with the Ghanaian investigation due to alleged lack of capability and a poor track record. Mr. Agyebeng questioned the logic of such claims, pointing out that the OSP was involved in a successful US prosecution with the FBI and is now being questioned on its competence.

He reiterated that the OSP sees the fight against corruption as a cooperative effort rather than a competitive one between state institutions. He warned that a lack of cooperation among these agencies could jeopardize efforts to combat corruption and result in adverse outcomes.