NPP Demands Investigation Into ‘Presidential Relative’ Named in Asante Berko Case
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called for an investigation into the identity and alleged involvement of a person described in United States court documents as a “Presidential Relative” in the bribery case involving former Goldman Sachs banker Asante Kwaku Berko.
The party is seeking clarity on the individual’s relationship with President John Dramani Mahama, the company or organisation the person was connected to, and the specific role allegedly played in the AKSA Energy power project.
The matter was raised by Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, who argued that the Ghanaian public deserves answers regarding the person mentioned in the US court proceedings.
According to the court documents, the individual, who was associated with a Ghanaian consulting company, travelled to Istanbul, Turkey, in January 2015 alongside senior Ghanaian officials and others involved in discussions concerning the proposed power project. (Miller & Chevalier)
The NPP MP also wants investigators to establish whether the individual received money in connection with the transaction and, if so, the amount involved and the purpose of the payment.
His comments come amid renewed attention to the AKSA Energy deal following the conviction of Asante Kwaku Berko in the United States over bribery and money-laundering offences connected to efforts to secure the power project.
The NPP is therefore demanding an independent investigation to establish the identities of all persons allegedly involved, the payments made and whether any public officials improperly influenced the approval of the project.
The party has also called for the Office of the Special Prosecutor to take the lead in investigating the matter.
