Martin Amidu Predicts Futility of Investigation into AKSA Bribery Deal

Former Special Prosecutor Questions Government's Intentions

Former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu has expressed skepticism about the government's ability to conduct a thorough investigation into the AKSA bribery deal, which led to the conviction of Asante Berko in the US on August 6, 2026. Amidu believes that any investigation will be futile, as the evidence will be suppressed.

Amidu made these comments in a recent statement, where he emphasized that the Asante Berko-Aksa-Ghana bribery deal relates only to the corruption of public officials under the John Mahama government between 2014 and 2017. He noted that the corruption transaction involving AKSA continued under the Nana Akufo-Addo government, with some payments made in July 2018.

Government Faces Criticism Over Attempt to Extend Conviction

The government has come under fire for attempting to extend the conviction of Asante Berko to include activities beyond December 2016, when he resigned from Goldman Sachs. Amidu has accused the government of trying to establish equalization, similar to the 2012 Justice Appau Commission of Enquiry. He believes that this attempt will undermine any investigation into the AKSA bribery deal.

Amidu also criticized the government for not dealing separately with the public officials and the politically exposed relative of President Mahama indicted for the trial of Asante Berko in the US. He emphasized that the OSP commenced investigations in April 2020, but the government's actions suggest that they are more interested in diverting public attention.

Concerns Over Impartiality of Investigation

Amidu expressed concerns about the impartiality of any investigation into the AKSA bribery deal. He believes that the government's actions suggest that they are more interested in using the investigation as a smokescreen to win the next elections. Amidu noted that the government has two years left in its active tenure, and it is unlikely that any investigation will yield results.

Amidu's concerns are echoed by some members of the public, who have been calling for an impartial investigation into the AKSA bribery deal. However, Amidu believes that the government's intentions are not genuine, and any investigation will be a futile exercise.

Theoretical Framework and Antecedent Facts

Amidu's concerns about the investigation are rooted in his understanding of the personality and antecedents of decision-makers. He believes that the government's actions are influenced by their desire to win the next elections, rather than a genuine desire to investigate corruption.

Amidu's statement highlights the complexity of the AKSA bribery deal and the challenges of conducting an impartial investigation. The government's actions suggest that they are more interested in using the investigation as a smokescreen to win the next elections, rather than a genuine desire to root out corruption.

The outcome of the investigation remains to be seen, but Amidu's concerns about the government's intentions are a cause for concern. As the government continues to face criticism over its handling of the AKSA bribery deal, it remains to be seen whether they will take any meaningful action to address the corruption.

Source: JOY