The Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has called for a swift and thorough investigation into allegations of bribery linked to the Aksa power plant transaction. The South Dayi MP made the call on JoyNews' Newsfile on Saturday, August 15, insisting that Ghana's probe must not be allowed to drag on.
Calls for Speed in Probe of Aksa Bribery Scandal
The bribery allegations have been in the public domain for more than a decade, but Dafeamekpor says the matter must now be pursued with "purpose and speed and dispatch" once there's a basis from the court ruling in the United States. His comments follow renewed attention to the controversial power transaction after a United States prosecution involving former Goldman Sachs banker Asante Kwaku Berko brought allegations of bribery connected to the power deal back into the spotlight.
Dafeamekpor noted that Ghanaian prosecutorial and investigative institutions have already played a role in assisting the US authorities with their investigations, making it important for Ghana to pursue its own inquiry into the matter. He was responding in part to calls from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) for an independent investigation, amid concerns about whether the Attorney-General can be trusted to lead an inquiry into the allegations.
Ghana Must Pursue Own Inquiry, Says Dafeamekpor
The Majority Chief Whip described the NPP's position as "very interesting", noting that the allegations have existed for more than 10 years. He argued that the conclusion of the US proceedings, or developments arising from them, should provide an opportunity for Ghanaian authorities to establish the full facts surrounding the transaction and determine whether any wrongdoing occurred.
Dafeamekpor stressed that the objective should be to uncover the truth rather than to protect individuals or pursue political interests. He supported calls for further investigations in Ghana, urging investigators not to allow the matter to lose momentum. "Let us all agree that we need to do a further enquiry on our own and to bring out the true facts and, if anybody is guilty, the law must take its course," he said.
Accountability Must Extend Beyond Public Office
The Majority Chief Whip maintained that Ghana must strengthen its approach to accountability, particularly in cases involving alleged wrongdoing by public officials. He expressed concern that allegations of misconduct are too often discussed publicly without resulting in meaningful sanctions. "We are not punishing some of these things well enough, and so we all speak about it and we leave it," he said.
Dafeamekpor argued that accountability should not end simply because an individual has left public office. He said former public officials should remain answerable for decisions and actions taken while they were in office if subsequent investigations establish breaches or impropriety. "Even if you leave office 10 years ago and some breaches and impropriety have been found as part of your work when you were in office, you can be recalled back," he stated.
A Stronger Culture of Public Accountability
Dafeamekpor said such measures would help establish a stronger culture of public accountability and send a clear message to future generations. "Until we begin to do those things and demand proper accountability, our future generations won’t take us serious," he added. He outlined a process in which investigators would establish the facts, prepare a report and make recommendations, with the appropriate authorities then acting on those recommendations.
The Majority Chief Whip wants the relevant institutions to move quickly, establish the facts, and ensure that any person found to have breached the law or abused public office is held accountable. He wants the passage of time to be no excuse for the matter to be abandoned, and for the investigations to be pursued with alacrity.
Source: Joy Online
