The President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has accepted the resignation of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Boss, Asante Berko after he was charged with corruption by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
He was charged for allegedly “orchestrating a bribery scheme” and arranging at least $2.5 million in bribes to be paid to Ghana government officials to gain approval for a client’s power plant project.
He is said to have bribed government officials and members of Parliament in Ghana to enable a Turkish IPP secure a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) amongst others.
Responding to reportage in the local and international news media, as well as documents on social media on the morning of 14th April, 2020, Asante Berko said while it is true that the SEC has just this week issued such proceedings against him, the allegations that government officials and members of Parliament were bribed by him were completely false.
“I state categorically that I have not paid any bribes to government officials, Members of Parliament nor any officials of Parliament. I have had no contact with Members of Parliament nor officials of Parliament, regarding the approval of this transaction,” he stated.
Although he came out to deny the allegations in a statement on the same day, he resigned from his position a day after the allegations went viral on social media and traditional media nationally and internationally.
Below is a statement from the Presidency:
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
