The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called on the government to take immediate action against individuals allegedly implicated in the Asante Berko bribery case in the United States.
The opposition party says the government should act on information emerging from the US proceedings instead of launching what it describes as another investigation into the matter.
Speaking to Citi News, NPP Deputy General Secretary Haruna Mohammed argued that the US proceedings had already established sufficient facts to warrant action against individuals named in the case.
Also read: GBA challenges Chief Justice to uphold Ghana legal vacation traditions
“People are named. These are known people. They should go and deal with them. But we have been told that they are going to investigate. Investigate what?”
Mr Mohammed said the government must demonstrate transparency and decisiveness in dealing with corruption allegations involving public officials or individuals connected to major public projects.
He also criticised President John Dramani Mahama over the government’s handling of the matter, calling on him to resign if he had failed to address the issues confronting the country.
The NPP’s demand follows the conviction of former Goldman Sachs banker and former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Managing Director Asante Kwaku Berko by a US federal jury in Brooklyn.
Mr Berko was convicted on charges linked to a bribery scheme involving Ghanaian government officials in connection with a power plant project.
The Asante Berko bribery case has since triggered calls for further scrutiny of the Ghanaian individuals and institutions allegedly connected to the scheme.
The NPP maintains that information emerging from the US proceedings should provide a basis for action against persons identified in the case.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has announced that it has begun investigating the Ghanaian dimension of the Asante Berko bribery case.
The investigation includes efforts to trace funds and assets that may be linked to suspected criminal conduct.
EOCO, however, has cautioned against assuming that Mr Berko’s conviction in the United States automatically establishes criminal liability against individuals in Ghana.
The Office said anyone whose name appears in evidence obtained through international cooperation will be assessed independently based on the evidence relevant to that individual and in accordance with Ghanaian law.
EOCO has also said it is working with US law enforcement authorities and the Attorney-General’s Office to obtain relevant records and information to advance the Ghanaian investigation.
While the NPP is demanding immediate action against individuals it says have been identified through the US proceedings, EOCO insists that any potential criminal liability in Ghana must be established through an independent, evidence-based process.
The Office has said the investigation will proceed without fear or favour and that further information will be made available at the appropriate time.
The developments have placed renewed focus on the Asante Berko bribery case and the possible implications of the US conviction for individuals and institutions in Ghana.