An anti-corruption campaigner, Edem Senanu, has called on the government to intensify investigations into Members of Parliament and public officials allegedly linked to the case involving former Tema Oil Refinery Managing Director, Asante Kwaku Berko, who was recently convicted in the United States for his role in a scheme to bribe Ghanaian officials.
According to him, Mr Berko’s conviction presents a major opportunity for Ghanaian authorities to demonstrate their commitment to fighting corruption by investigating all persons mentioned in connection with the case.
Speaking to Adom News, Mr Senanu said individuals cited in the case may have information relevant to the alleged transactions and must therefore be thoroughly investigated to determine whether they have any criminal liability.
He urged the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the Attorney-General’s Department to collaborate effectively to ensure that the matter is properly investigated.
Mr Senanu stressed that where investigations establish wrongdoing, the appropriate legal action must be taken, irrespective of the status or position of the individuals involved.
Meanwhile, former Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah has warned that failure by the government to investigate persons cited in the case could raise questions about its commitment to fighting corruption.
Speaking to Adom News, he said failure to investigate and, where necessary, prosecute Members of Parliament and public officials linked to the case could create the impression that the government lacks the political will to fight corruption.
Mr Tuah-Yeboah stressed that accountability must apply to everyone, regardless of position or political affiliation.
He said decisive action by the relevant authorities would demonstrate Ghana’s seriousness in the fight against corruption and help strengthen public confidence in the justice system.
However, the then Ranking Member of Parliament’s Energy Committee, K.T. Hammond, expressed anger over the allegations.
Speaking to Adom News, he questioned how much money he would have had to receive to compromise his credibility and integrity.
Mr Hammond said his reputation and integrity were not things he would sacrifice for financial gain and questioned the basis for any suggestion that he could have been influenced through monetary inducement.
He maintained that any allegations against him must be subjected to proper scrutiny and supported by evidence.
