Kwaku Asante Berko, a former managing director of the Tema Oil Refinery, has been convicted in the United States. He was found guilty of paying more than $1 million in bribes.
The bribes were connected to the development of a power plant project in Ghana. Berko also previously worked as a banker for Goldman Sachs Group Inc.
The conviction was handed down by a court in the United States. Details of the specific charges and sentencing were not immediately available from the court filing.
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Ghana has stated that this conviction does not automatically mean any person in Ghana is criminally liable. EOCO indicated that further investigations would be needed to establish any local criminal involvement.
This case highlights the international reach of financial crimes. It also shows the importance of cross-border cooperation in investigating corruption.
Ghanaian authorities are reviewing the implications of the US conviction. They will determine if any further action is required within Ghana.