EOCO intensifies Asante Berko bribery investigation
The move follows Berko’s conviction in the United States and a directive from the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice for EOCO to escalate its investigations as relevant evidence and official records are obtained from US authorities.
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has intensified investigations into the Ghanaian aspects of the bribery case involving former Tema Oil Refinery Managing Director, Asante Kwaku Berko.
The move follows Berko’s conviction in the United States and a directive from the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice for EOCO to escalate its investigations as relevant evidence and official records are obtained from US authorities.
According to EOCO, its investigation will include tracing and recovering any proceeds, assets, benefits or property found to be connected to suspected criminal conduct.
The Office disclosed that it began preliminary work on the Ghanaian dimension of the case last year after receiving a request from its US counterparts. The request sought information concerning specific individuals in Ghana, including a former Minister of State and some public servants.
EOCO said the Attorney-General is engaging the appropriate US authorities to obtain evidence, records and other information required to advance the investigation through lawful international cooperation channels.
The Office explained that it had closely monitored the US proceedings because the evidence emerging from the case could help determine the scope and direction of a comprehensive investigation in Ghana.
It, however, stressed that Berko’s conviction in the United States does not automatically establish the criminal liability of any person in Ghana.
“Any individual whose name appears in evidence obtained through the international cooperation process will be assessed independently on the basis of the evidence relevant to that person and in accordance with Ghanaian law,” EOCO said.
The Office assured the public that its collaboration with US law-enforcement authorities and the Attorney-General’s Office remains active.
EOCO added that it would not disclose sensitive operational information that could compromise the investigation, the integrity of evidence or any future prosecution.
