Former Energy Minister Collins Adomako-Mensah has urged Ghana’s investigative bodies to ensure fairness and due process in their investigations into the alleged bribery scandal involving Aksa Energy.

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) have both taken an interest in the allegations, which have triggered calls for investigations into possible payments to Ghanaian officials.

Speaking on JoyNews, Mr Adomako-Mensah said the priority should be to establish the facts and protect Ghana’s reputation internationally.

“I just want Ghana’s name to be cleared,” he said, stressing that any investigation must be conducted fairly and in accordance with established legal procedures.

According to him, he was not in a position to dictate to EOCO how it should conduct its investigations, but said the process must provide an opportunity for all persons and institutions mentioned in the allegations to respond.

“I’m not too sure if I’m in a position to direct EOCO as to how they should conduct their business. All I think should be done is that anything that is done should be done fairly,” he said.

Mr Adomako-Mensah further called for anyone invited to assist with the investigations to be engaged through the appropriate legal channels.

“Anybody who will be called to assist in the investigation should be done through the right channels and through the legal processes. That is what is important,” he added.

The former Energy Minister also expressed concern over the mention of key state institutions, including Parliament, in the allegations.

He noted that as a Member of Parliament, the claims were particularly concerning and required a thorough investigation to establish the truth.

“Some very important governance institutions were mentioned. Parliament was mentioned. I’m a member of Parliament, and so obviously I should be worried with some of the things that I’m reading,” he said.

He believes the ongoing investigations by EOCO could provide an opportunity for institutions and individuals named in the allegations to clear their names.

“I think EOCO’s investigation, of course, will give a platform to all the institutions and people mentioned to have their day and to clear their names,” Mr Adomako-Mensah said.

The allegations have intensified public scrutiny of Ghana’s energy sector and raised questions about whether any public officials were involved in alleged improper payments.

EOCO and the OSP are expected to establish the facts surrounding the allegations and determine whether any offences under Ghanaian law may have been committed.