The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has intensified its investigation into the Ghanaian connections of the alleged bribery scheme involving former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Managing Director, Asante Kwaku Berko, following his conviction in the United States.
The state investigative body confirmed that the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice has directed the office to broaden the scope of its local inquiry as official records and evidence are retrieved from American authorities through lawful international legal channels.
The development follows a formal request submitted to EOCO last year by United States law enforcement counterparts, seeking information on specific Ghanaian individuals—including a former Minister of State and public officials—deemed relevant to the multi-million-dollar bribery scheme.
According to EOCO, preliminary work on the Ghanaian aspects of the matter was initiated alongside the Attorney-General’s Office while closely monitoring the U.S. court proceedings to ensure any local prosecution remains firmly anchored in verified evidence.
“EOCO’s responsibility is not merely to commence investigations for the sake of public perception, but to ensure that investigations are properly grounded in evidence, conducted lawfully and capable where appropriate of supporting subsequent criminal proceedings and asset-recovery action,” the statement read.
Addressing concerns over public resource management, the anti-graft agency emphasised that tracing and recovering illicitly acquired funds remain central to its ongoing operations.
“Importantly, and consistent with its statutory mandate, asset tracing and recovery form an integral part of EOCO’s investigative plan in this matter,” the statement noted. “Where economic or organised crime results in the unlawful acquisition or dissipation of public resources, the recovery of such resources is an essential component of the investigative and enforcement process.”
The agency, however, cautioned against premature conclusions regarding individuals named in foreign court filings, clarifying that foreign convictions do not automatically translate to guilt under local statutes.
“The conclusion of proceedings against Mr. Berko in the United States does not, by itself, establish criminal liability on the part 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 clarified.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and legal integrity, the investigative body assured the public that it would continue to follow the financial trail without fear or favour while safeguarding sensitive operational details to prevent compromising ongoing proceedings.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana