The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has urged the government to promptly address the individuals allegedly involved in the bribery case in the United States concerning former Goldman Sachs banker and former Managing Director of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Asante Kwaku Berko.
The opposition party emphasized that the government should act on information arising from the US proceedings rather than launch what it termed another investigation into the issue.
In an interview, NPP Deputy General Secretary Haruna Mohammed contended that the US proceedings have already revealed enough facts to justify action against the individuals identified in the case.
“Individuals have been named. These are identifiable persons. They should take action against them. However, we have been informed that they intend to investigate. Investigate what? These are the pressing issues facing the nation. President Mahama, if you have not succeeded, resign and allow us to move forward. That is what we expect him to do.”
Mr. Mohammed asserted that the government must exhibit transparency and decisiveness in addressing corruption allegations involving public officials or those associated with significant public projects.
The party’s stance follows Mr. Berko’s conviction by a US federal jury in Brooklyn on charges related to a bribery scheme involving Ghanaian government officials linked to a power plant project.
In the meantime, Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has announced the commencement of an investigation into the Ghanaian aspect of the case, which includes tracing funds and assets that may be associated with suspected criminal activities.
EOCO has warned that Mr. Berko’s conviction in the United States does not automatically imply criminal liability for individuals in Ghana, emphasizing that anyone whose name appears in evidence obtained through international cooperation will be evaluated independently under Ghanaian law.
