EOCO begins tracing assets linked to Asante Berko bribery conviction

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has commenced efforts to trace funds and assets potentially linked to the bribery case involving former Goldman Sachs banker and former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Managing Director, Asante Kwaku Berko.

The development follows Mr Berko’s conviction in the United States over his alleged involvement in a scheme to bribe Ghanaian government officials in connection with the development and financing of a power plant.

EOCO said the tracing and potential recovery of assets constitute a key component of its investigation into the Ghanaian aspects of the case.

In a statement issued on Monday, August 10, 2026, the Office said it would examine financial transactions, beneficiaries, assets and proceeds that may have been derived from or connected to suspected criminal activity.

Where supported by evidence and permitted under Ghanaian law, EOCO said it would pursue the preservation and recovery of such assets.

“Asset tracing and recovery form an integral part of EOCO's investigative plan in this matter,” the Office said.

EOCO disclosed that its investigation in Ghana began last year after it received a request from US authorities for information on individuals in Ghana who were considered relevant to the bribery investigation.

The request, according to the Office, included information concerning a former Minister of State and other public servants.

Since then, EOCO said it has collaborated with the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice on the Ghanaian aspects of the case while closely monitoring the proceedings in the United States.

Following Mr Berko’s conviction, the Attorney-General engaged the US authorities to secure relevant evidence, records and other information to support the ongoing Ghanaian investigation.

The Attorney-General has subsequently directed EOCO to intensify its investigations as additional information is received through lawful international cooperation channels.

EOCO, however, cautioned that Mr Berko’s conviction in the United States does not, by itself, establish criminal liability against any individual in Ghana.

“Any individual whose name appears in evidence obtained through the international cooperation process will be assessed independently on the basis of the evidence relevant to that person and in accordance with Ghanaian law,” it stated.

The Office said it would continue to follow the financial trail as part of its investigations but would not disclose sensitive operational details that could undermine ongoing investigations or potential prosecutions.

US prosecutors previously said Mr Berko was convicted after evidence established that he conspired to pay more than $1 million in bribes to Ghanaian officials in connection with the development and financing of a power plant.