'Grey-headed KT Hammond should recuse himself as lawyer for Kwabena Donkor in AKSA bribery case' — Former MP

Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Anyaa-Sowutuom, Dr Dickson Adomako Kissi, has called on former Adansi-Asokwa MP K.T. Hammond to recuse himself as counsel for former Power Minister Dr Kwabena Donkor in the AKSA bribery case.

Dr Adomako Kissi said Mr Hammond’s decision to represent the former minister could create concerns about a potential conflict of interest or the perception of interference, particularly as scrutiny of alleged bribery in Ghana’s power sector continues.

His comments follow the conviction of former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Managing Director Asante Kwaku Berko in the United States over a bribery scheme linked to Ghana’s power sector.

The alleged bribery activities date back to 2015, when Dr Kwabena Donkor was serving as Minister of Power.

Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Tuesday, August 11, Dr Adomako Kissi questioned the appropriateness of K.T. Hammond, a former Ranking Member of Parliament’s Mines and Energy Committee, representing the former Power Minister while issues relating to the sector remain under scrutiny.

He argued that Mr Hammond should step aside to allow the matter involving Dr Donkor to be examined without any concerns over a possible conflict of interest.

“This idea of a committee Ranking Member being the lawyer for the [former] minister is a bit questionable. I am being upfront about it. And you know, I get into trouble sometimes when I do this, but I can’t change my behaviour,” he said.

Dr Adomako Kissi subsequently appealed directly to Mr Hammond to withdraw from the case and allow Dr Donkor to appoint another lawyer.

“And if I can respectfully also advise this grey-headed man, who is KT Hammond, I would say that he should recuse himself and let the man [former minister] find a new lawyer,” he added.