EOCO investigates AKSA Energy corruption scandal involving former MPs
The Economic and Organised Crime Office EOCO is investigating the AKSA Energy corruption scandal, which implicates several past government officials and Members of Parliament. This follows a statement from the United States Department of Justice regarding the conviction of Asante Berko, former Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery, for paying bribes. The statement indicated that Parliament ratified the deal in July 2015 after bribes were paid in Turkey and Ghana to MPs. Discussions in August 2015 detailed $250,000 in bribe payments, including $46,000 to members of the Ghanaian Parliament who ratified the agreement. Multiple reports suggest the implicated MPs were members of the Mines and Energy Committee during the 2015 legislative session. These individuals, some no longer in Parliament, are likely to be summoned by EOCO. The 2015 committee had up to 18 legislators, chaired by Alhaji Amadu Bukari Sorogo, former MP for Abokobi-Madina. Other key members included Adam Mutawakilu, former MP for Damango and current Managing Director of the Ghana Water Company Limited, who was vice chair; Kobina Tahir Hammond, former MP for Adansi-Asokwa and former Minister of Trade and Industry, who was Ranking Member; and Edward Michael Ennin, former MP for Obuasi East, who was Deputy Ranking Member. The article also lists 14 other members of the committee.
