Dafeamekpor: Keep Parliament out of Aksa scandal probe, let experts lead

Ghana's Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor has called for Parliament to step back from investigating the controversial Aksa power deal bribery scandal, arguing that state institutions and expert-led committees are better positioned to handle the inquiry fairly and effectively.

Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile on Saturday, Mr Dafeamekpor warned that direct parliamentary involvement could create perceptions of conflict of interest, particularly given Parliament's constitutional role in approving public contracts and overseeing government operations. Instead, he has proposed a multi-agency approach that leverages existing investigations already underway.

A Proposed Expert-Led Framework

The South Dayi MP outlined a specific committee structure he believes would strengthen the investigation's credibility and effectiveness. His proposal includes representatives from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), senior lawyers from the Attorney-General's Office, a judge from the judiciary, and representatives from relevant civil society organisations.

Dafeamekpor emphasised that this arrangement would allow investigators to build upon information already gathered by state institutions rather than duplicating efforts or starting from scratch. He noted that the OSP has already provided substantial assistance to United States authorities investigating aspects of the Aksa matter, meaning critical materials and intelligence may already be available domestically.

"The OSP has indicated clearly that they provided tremendous assistance," he said, suggesting that this foundation positions the country well for a comprehensive domestic inquiry. He also highlighted that the Attorney-General's Office and the OSP appear to have been working in tandem on the matter, which he characterised as positive news for ensuring continuity and thoroughness in any investigation.

The Aksa Scandal and What's at Stake

The renewed focus on the Aksa power transaction stems from allegations involving Asante Kwaku Berko, a former Goldman Sachs banker, in connection with the deal. The scandal has triggered significant public concern about whether Ghanaian public officials were compromised or whether procedures and legal requirements were breached during the transaction.

The Aksa power project, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) to power initiative, has been controversial since its inception. Concerns about the commercial terms, governance processes and the involvement of foreign financial actors have made it a focal point for debates about Ghana's infrastructure procurement and accountability standards.

Why This Matters for Ghana

Dafeamekpor's intervention signals an attempt to navigate a delicate political and institutional balance. His proposal reflects concerns that allowing Parliament—where executive allies hold a majority—to lead investigations could undermine public confidence in the outcome. This is particularly critical because the Aksa deal involves substantial public resources and international actors, making the integrity of any inquiry essential to Ghana's reputation and investor confidence.

The approach also acknowledges the importance of institutional independence. The OSP's existing involvement and the Attorney-General's engagement provide a credible foundation that civil society and the public might view as more insulated from partisan political pressures than a parliamentary committee would be.

For ordinary Ghanaians, the question at stake is straightforward: did the Aksa power deal serve the nation's energy interests, or were public officials improperly influenced to approve terms unfavourable to Ghana? Establishing clear answers through a transparent, credible process could restore confidence in Ghana's public procurement systems and demonstrate the government's commitment to accountability—concerns that have been raised repeatedly in recent years across multiple sectors.