The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has intensified investigations into the Ghanaian dimension of the bribery case involving former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Managing Director and ex-Goldman Sachs banker Asante Kwaku Berko, with investigators now moving to trace funds, assets and other financial benefits potentially linked to the alleged scheme.
The latest action follows Berko’s conviction by a United States federal jury over his role in a scheme involving more than US$1 million in alleged bribes to Ghanaian officials in connection with the development and financing of a power plant.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 10, EOCO said asset tracing and possible recovery have become central to its investigation as it seeks to establish the financial trail associated with the case.
Investigators are expected to scrutinise financial transactions, identify individuals who may have benefited from the alleged payments, and trace assets or proceeds suspected to have originated from or been connected to criminal activity.
EOCO said assets found to be linked to unlawful conduct could be preserved and ultimately recovered where sufficient evidence exists and Ghanaian law permits such action.
According to the Office, its investigation into the Ghanaian aspect of the case began in 2025 following a request from US authorities for information on individuals in Ghana considered relevant to the bribery investigation.
The request included information concerning a former Minister of State and other public officials.
EOCO said it has since been working with the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice on the Ghanaian component of the investigation while closely following developments in the US proceedings.
Following Berko’s conviction, the Attorney-General has engaged US authorities to secure evidence, documents and other information that could assist Ghanaian investigators.
The Attorney-General has also directed EOCO to intensify its investigation as further information becomes available through formal international cooperation channels.
EOCO, however, stressed that Berko’s conviction in the United States does not automatically establish criminal wrongdoing against any individual in Ghana whose name may appear in evidence connected to the case.
It said every person potentially implicated would be investigated separately and assessed on the strength of the evidence against them and in accordance with Ghanaian law.
The anti-graft agency said it would continue pursuing the financial trail while withholding sensitive details that could compromise ongoing investigations or potential prosecutions.
US prosecutors alleged that Berko participated in a scheme involving the payment of more than US$1 million in bribes to Ghanaian officials in connection with a power plant project.
