The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has disclosed that its investigative and evidentiary support contributed significantly to the successful prosecution and conviction of Asante Kwaku Berko in the United States.
Berko, a dual citizen of Ghana and the United States and a former Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), was convicted by a federal jury in Brooklyn, New York, on August 6, 2026, over a bribery scheme involving more than US$1 million.
According to the case, Berko conspired to pay and paid bribes to several Ghanaian officials between 2014 and 2015 in connection with the development and financing of a power plant in Ghana.
The project involved an agreement between the Republic of Ghana and Aksa Enerji Uretim A.S., a Turkish energy company and client of the US-based Goldman Sachs group.
Before his appointment as Managing Director of Tema Oil Refinery, Berko had also served as an Executive Director in the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs.
OSP Assisted FBI in Ghana Bribery Investigation
The OSP said it provided investigative and evidentiary assistance to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through Ghana’s established mutual legal assistance framework.
The cooperation enabled US investigators and prosecutors to obtain assistance from Ghanaian authorities in relation to evidence and investigative activities connected to the alleged international bribery scheme.
The United States Department of Justice (DoJ) has acknowledged the contribution of the OSP, describing Ghana’s assistance as providing “significant assistance to this prosecution.”
The development highlights the growing role of international cooperation in investigating and prosecuting cross-border corruption and financial crimes.
Asante Berko Faces Up to 30 Years in Prison
Following his conviction, Asante Kwaku Berko faces a maximum prison sentence of 30 years.
The sentencing hearing has been scheduled for November 10, 2026, when a US federal court will determine the punishment to be imposed.
The conviction brings renewed attention to allegations of bribery and corruption linked to international business transactions and major infrastructure projects in Ghana.
Ghana-US Cooperation in Cross-Border Corruption Cases
The OSP said the cooperation between Ghana’s anti-corruption investigators and the FBI took place largely behind the scenes.
According to the Office, the successful outcome of the case demonstrates the importance of mutual legal assistance between countries in tackling sophisticated corruption offences that cross national borders.
The Asante Berko case also underscores the significance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies when investigations involve multiple jurisdictions, international companies, financial institutions and government officials.
The OSP described the successful prosecution as evidence that international law enforcement cooperation can play an important role in combating corruption, bribery and other cross-border financial crimes.
The case is expected to remain significant in discussions about Ghana’s efforts to strengthen anti-corruption enforcement and deepen cooperation with international law enforcement agencies.
Source: newsthemegh.com