AKSA power project bribery investigation in Ghana

U.S. investigators are examining a US$42 million consultancy arrangement linked to the AKSA power project in Ghana. Prosecutors allege the arrangement was used to facilitate and conceal bribes to Ghanaian officials to secure approvals for the project involving the Turkish energy company AKSA Enerji.

The investigation focuses on the structure of consultancy fees and transactions through intermediary accounts. The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) has raised concerns regarding the negotiation of the AKSA agreement and other Independent Power Producer contracts, noting that while the country faced a power crisis, the structure of these emergency procurement arrangements raised questions about national interest. The probe follows the conviction of Asante Kwaku Berko, a former Tema Oil Refinery Managing Director, for involvement in a bribery scheme related to the project.

In response to the scandal, Ghana’s Deputy Attorney General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, clarified that the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is leading the investigation. He stated that EOCO has the specific legal mandate to handle potential money laundering offenses identified in the case, which fall under its jurisdiction. He dismissed claims of institutional rivalry between EOCO and the Office of the Special Prosecutor, emphasizing that the priority is ensuring the appropriate agency handles the identified crimes.