Dr Bomfeh Stands by AKSA despite Bribery Allegations: A Company in Cri

A public figure has come out in support of AKSA, a company at the center of a bribery scandal linked to a power deal. Dr James Kwabena Bomfeh Jnr, CEO of the Centre for Conflict and Security Studies and a lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, has said the Attorney General owes it to the public to explain what information his office has received about the case.

Calls for Transparency

Speaking on JoyNews's Newsfile on Saturday, Dr Bomfeh said the Attorney General should either disclose the information available to his office or demonstrate that steps are being taken to act on it. He emphasized that the public has a right to know what action is being taken regarding the bribery allegations.

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The AKSA power deal has been under scrutiny since a United States prosecution involving former Goldman Sachs banker Asante Kwaku Berko brought allegations of bribery back into the spotlight. Dr Bomfeh acknowledged that there are concerns about public confidence in institutions such as Parliament and the Attorney General's office.

A Need for Collaboration

However, he said that doubts about their credibility should not prevent the public from engaging with and demanding answers from those institutions. Dr Bomfeh proposed a broader process involving institutions and groups outside government to examine the AKSA matter and related concerns about public contracts and the management of state resources.

A cross-sectoral committee or commission, comprising traditional leaders, religious leaders, the media, civil society organizations, and student groups, could be established to interrogate the matter, Dr Bomfeh suggested. He said that this was necessary because the AKSA controversy raises wider questions about how Ghana handles public contracts, particularly when governments are under pressure to respond to emergencies or other national challenges.

Following the Money

Dr Bomfeh emphasized that a key part of any investigation should be to establish where funds went and who benefited from the transactions. "What we should be doing is first and foremost, follow the money. That's number one," he said. A range of state and non-state institutions should be involved in examining the matter, even if there are concerns about their ability to act independently.

The AKSA power deal is a significant issue that touches on a number of other concerns about public contracts and the management of state resources. Dr Bomfeh's comments come at a time when the public is demanding answers from institutions about their handling of the matter.

Source: JOY