Dafeamekpor Defends Ayine's Handling of Aksa Case Amid Bribery Scandal

• The Aksa power deal has been at the center of a bribery scandal, with allegations of corruption surrounding its approval process.
• Former Tema Oil Refinery Managing Director Asante Kwaku Berko has been prosecuted by US authorities for participating in a scheme to bribe Ghanaian government officials between 2014 and 2017.
• Attorney-General Dr Dominic Ayine is investigating the matter, despite criticism from some quarters.
• Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor has defended Ayine's handling of the case, pointing out that past AGs did not take action when similar allegations arose in the past.

The issue about the laxity with which we have approached the matter, we can keep blaming, but I will prefer Dr Ayine’s position and the fact that he is taking steps.

The Aksa power deal has been at the center of a bribery scandal, with allegations of corruption surrounding its approval process. The US authorities have prosecuted former Tema Oil Refinery Managing Director Asante Kwaku Berko for participating in a scheme to bribe Ghanaian government officials between 2014 and 2017. Berko has denied the allegations, but he was convicted by a federal jury in the US on August 6, 2026, with sentencing scheduled for November 10, 2026. Meanwhile, the Attorney-General of Ghana, Dr Dominic Ayine, has taken steps to investigate the matter, despite criticism from some quarters.

The investigation has been met with skepticism by some, who argue that previous administrations failed to act decisively on the issue. However, Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor has defended Ayine's handling of the case, pointing out that past AGs did not take action when similar allegations arose in the past.

Dafeamekpor noted that former Attorney-General Gloria Akuffo failed to act on the resignation of Berko, who was Managing Director of TOR at the time. He also pointed out that Godfred Dame, who later served as Attorney-General from January 2021 to January 2025, did not initiate any action when he had the opportunity.

Dafeamekpor's comments came during an appearance on JoyNews' Newsfile, where he urged critics to allow Ayine to complete the investigation without partisan distractions.

The Aksa deal has raised questions about the role of state institutions in investigating corruption allegations. Dafeamekpor proposed that relevant agencies, including EOCO and OSP, work together with legal and civil society experts to examine the allegations. He emphasized that the focus should be on the circumstances surrounding the transaction and the alleged corruption rather than claims about the performance of the power plant.

The proposal comes as the Attorney-General's Office is already investigating the matter. Dafeamekpor argued that the current administration's decision to revisit the issue should be welcomed, given that past AGs did not take action when similar allegations arose in the past.

The US prosecution of Berko has also highlighted the need for greater cooperation between Ghanaian and international authorities in tackling corruption. The case has sparked renewed scrutiny of the Aksa deal, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the alleged bribery scheme.

The outcome of the Aksa case could set a precedent for future corruption investigations in Ghana. If public officials are held accountable for their actions, it could have far-reaching implications for the country's fight against corruption.

Dafeamekpor's defense of Ayine's handling of the case highlights the need for a non-partisan approach to investigating corruption allegations. By allowing the Attorney-General to complete the investigation without interference, Ghana can ensure that justice is served and accountability is upheld.

The Aksa deal has also raised questions about the role of state institutions in preventing corruption. Dafeamekpor's proposal for greater cooperation between EOCO, OSP, and other agencies could help to strengthen the country's anti-corruption framework.

Lawyers should watch for potential implications of the Aksa case, including whether any public officials will be held accountable for alleged wrongdoing, as this could set a precedent for future corruption investigations in Ghana.

Source: Original reporting via Emmanuel Tetteh