AKSA Bribery Allegations Exposed: Prime Insight Unveils Shocking Evide

On August 15, Joy Prime's current affairs programme, Prime Insight, will delve into two contentious issues that have sparked heated debate in Ghana's justice system and anti-corruption efforts. The programme, hosted by Blessed Sogah, will examine the controversy surrounding trials during the legal vacation and the conviction of former Goldman Sachs banker Asante Kwaku Berko in the United States.

AKSA Bribery Case Rocks Ghana

A federal jury in Brooklyn, New York, convicted Asante Kwaku Berko on August 6, 2026, in connection with a bribery scheme involving Ghanaian officials and a power plant project linked to Turkish energy company Aksa Enerji Uretim A.S. The conviction has triggered calls in Ghana for investigations into the local aspects of the case, including allegations concerning payments or proposed payments to Ghanaian officials.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has disclosed that it provided investigative and evidentiary assistance to the US authorities through Ghana's mutual legal assistance framework. The United States Department of Justice has acknowledged the Ghanaian agency's contribution to the prosecution. The case highlights the need for Ghana to detect and prosecute cross-border corruption.

Legal Vacation Controversy

The debate over whether courts can continue substantive proceedings during the legal vacation has involved the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) and the Judicial Service. Questions surround the authority of judges assigned to sit during the vacation and the extent to which lawyers are expected to participate in proceedings during the period. The Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Srem-Sai, has rejected the GBA's position, describing it as a misunderstanding of the law and arguing that vacation courts are authorised to hear cases during the period.

The discussion on Prime Insight will examine the legal framework governing the vacation, the responsibilities of judges and lawyers, and the potential implications of the disagreement for the administration of justice. The programme will feature a panel of experts, including Solomon Owusu, Director of Communications of the United Party, Julius Kwame Anthony, Press Secretary at the Ministry of the Interior, Ross Osei Owusu, a member of the NPP Legal Directorate, and Ivan Kyei Innocent, a youth activist.

Prime Insight Tackles AKSA Bribery Allegations

The Prime Insight programme will also focus on the US$1 million AKSA bribery case, examining what is known about the case, the need for investigations in Ghana, and questions about the country's ability to detect and prosecute cross-border corruption. The programme's discussion will bring together experts and stakeholders to shed light on the case and its implications for Ghana's justice system and anti-corruption efforts.

The panel will feature Solomon Owusu, Director of Communications of the United Party, Julius Kwame Anthony, Press Secretary at the Ministry of the Interior, Ross Osei Owusu, a member of the NPP Legal Directorate, and Ivan Kyei Innocent, a youth activist. The programme will broadcast on Joy Prime, with the programme also available on DStv Channel 281 and GOtv Channel 124.

Source: JOY