Joy Prime's Prime Insight programme will tackle two contentious issues on August 15: the AKSA bribery case and the controversy surrounding trials during the legal vacation. The programme will feature a discussion on the legal framework governing the vacation and the responsibilities of judges and lawyers, as well as an examination of the local aspects of the AKSA bribery case.
Legal Vacation Controversy Heats Up
The debate over whether courts can continue substantive proceedings during the legal vacation has been ongoing, with the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) and the Judicial Service at odds. The GBA has raised questions about 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.
The programme will bring together political and legal voices to examine the issues and their wider implications for Ghana's justice system and anti-corruption efforts. Blessed Sogah will host the two-hour programme, scheduled for 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Joy Prime. The discussion will also touch on the responsibilities of judges and lawyers during the vacation period.
AKSA Bribery Case Sparks Calls for Investigations
A federal jury in Brooklyn, New York, convicted former Goldman Sachs executive and former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) boss 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 programme's discussion will examine 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.
Panelists Weigh in on Local Implications
The programme's 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 panelists will bring their unique perspectives to the discussion, examining the local implications of the AKSA bribery case and the controversy surrounding trials during the legal vacation.
The programme will be broadcast on Joy Prime, with the programme also available on DStv Channel 281 and GOtv Channel 124. The discussion is expected to provide valuable insights into the issues and their wider implications for Ghana's justice system and anti-corruption efforts.
Source: Joy Online
