NPP calls for action over Ghana links to Berko bribery case

Ghana’s opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called for swift action against people allegedly linked to a bribery case involving former Goldman Sachs executive Asante Kwaku Berko.

The party says Ghanaian authorities should use evidence that emerged during Mr Berko’s trial in the US rather than launch what it describes as another lengthy investigation.

Mr Berko, a former managing director of Ghana’s Tema Oil Refinery, was convicted by a US federal jury in Brooklyn over his role in an alleged bribery scheme involving Ghanaian government officials and a power plant project.

The case has triggered renewed calls for investigations into the Ghanaian side of the allegations.

NPP Deputy General Secretary Haruna Mohammed said people allegedly implicated in the case had already been identified and should face the appropriate legal processes in Ghana.

“People are named. These are known people. They should go and deal with them. But we have been told that they are going to investigate. Investigate what?” he told Citi FM.

The NPP said delaying action could undermine public confidence in the government's commitment to tackling corruption.

Mr Mohammed also criticised President John Dramani Mahama's handling of the issue, saying the president needed to demonstrate leadership in responding to corruption allegations.

Meanwhile, Ghana's Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has begun investigating the Ghanaian dimension of the case.

EOCO says its work includes tracing funds and assets that may be linked to suspected criminal conduct.

The US case centres on allegations that Mr Berko arranged payments to Ghanaian officials in connection with a power plant project.

The NPP's call comes as pressure grows on Ghanaian authorities to establish whether any officials or other individuals in Ghana were involved and, if so, whether they should face prosecution.

Mr Berko has previously denied wrongdoing in relation to the allegations.