The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has escalated its investigation into the Ghanaian dimension of the bribery case involving former Goldman Sachs investment banker and former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Managing Director, Asante Kwaku Berko.

The development follows Mr Berko’s conviction in the United States in connection with allegations of bribery arising from his period in the private sector.

In a statement issued on Monday, August 10, 2026, EOCO said it received a request last year from its counterparts in the United States in connection with investigations into the alleged bribery scheme.

The request sought information on specific individuals in Ghana who were considered relevant to the investigations, including a former Minister of State and public servants.

“Following receipt of the request, EOCO, in collaboration with the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, commenced preliminary work in relation to the Ghanaian aspects of the matter,” the Office said.

EOCO said it also closely monitored the proceedings in the United States because of the international dimensions of the case.

“Given the nature of the allegations and the international dimensions of the case, EOCO considered the evidence emerging from the U.S. proceedings to be potentially material to determining the appropriate scope and direction of any comprehensive investigation in Ghana,” it said.

The Office explained that its approach was deliberate, stressing that investigations must be properly grounded in evidence and capable of supporting subsequent criminal proceedings and asset recovery where appropriate.

“EOCO’s responsibility is not merely to commence investigations for the sake of public perception, but to ensure that investigations are properly grounded in evidence, conducted lawfully and capable where appropriate of supporting subsequent criminal proceedings and asset-recovery action,” it said.

Following the conclusion of the US proceedings and Mr Berko’s conviction, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice engaged the appropriate US authorities to obtain relevant evidence, records and information required to advance the Ghanaian investigation.

EOCO said the Attorney-General has subsequently directed it to escalate its investigations as the relevant information and official records are obtained from the competent authorities in the United States.

“EOCO has accordingly commenced the process of intensifying its investigation into the Ghanaian dimension of the matter,” the Office said.

EOCO stressed that the investigation will be conducted independently and in accordance with Ghanaian law.

It cautioned that Mr Berko’s conviction in the United States does not automatically 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 said.

The Office said its collaboration with US law enforcement authorities and the Attorney-General’s Office remains active.

It added that it would not disclose sensitive operational information that could compromise ongoing investigations, the integrity of evidence or any future prosecution.

EOCO assured the public that further information would be provided at the appropriate time.