A former Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) has been implicated in a bribery scandal involving a $2 million payment to secure an energy deal for a Turkish firm.
Court documents reveal that the payments were made in 2015, with a first transfer of $500,000 in April and a second transfer of $1.5 million in May.
Energy Deal Fallout: Ghanaian Officials Named in Bribes Scandal
According to the documents, a senior official signed the deal on the same day the $1.5 million payment was made. This raises questions about the level of involvement by Ghanaian officials in the bribery scheme.
Breakdown of Alleged Payments Reveals Extensive Corruption
A breakdown of the alleged payments, listed in an August 2015 email, shows that a total of $20,000 was paid to the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), $10,000 to a named Ghanaian official, and $20,000 to Ministry of Power staff referred to as “MoP Girls”. An additional $25,000 was paid to the “Power Team” and $20,000 to GRIDCo engineers. Parliament was allocated $30,000, with the email stating that “Parliament was all paid by Asante.”
Court Documents Reveal Extensive Corruption Network
The documents also listed between $45,000 and $50,000 for travel and visas for a trip to Turkey, and an additional $35,000 described as “Asante personal”, identified in the email as the former Managing Director's own cut. The email ended with the phrase, “Kindly perform your magic,” while one recipient was described as waiting for the “holy rain.”
Scandal Intensifies Scrutiny of Ghanaian Power Sector
The revelations have intensified scrutiny of the Ghanaian side of the power transaction, including the roles played by public officials and institutions involved in the approval process. The scandal highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the country's energy sector.
What Happens Next: Calls for Investigation and Accountability
The bribery scandal has sparked calls for a thorough investigation into the involvement of Ghanaian officials in the energy deal. The government has yet to comment on the allegations, but it is expected to take steps to address the scandal and restore public trust in the power sector. The case is set to continue in court, with the former Managing Director and other officials facing charges related to the bribery scheme.
Source: Joy Online
