Former Power Minister Donkor's Lawyer Denies OSP Contact Over Aksa Energy Bribery Allegations

The legal representation of former Power Minister Kwabena Donkor has maintained a defensive posture as Ghanaian authorities intensify investigations into allegations of improper payments connected to the controversial Aksa Energy power deal. When pressed by Joy FM's Top Story programme on whether the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has made contact with his client, lawyer K.T. Hammond declined to confirm such engagement, stating simply: "I'm not so instructed."

The cryptic response underscores the mounting pressure on officials implicated in what has emerged as a significant governance controversy. The Aksa Energy agreement, which Dr Donkor oversaw during his tenure as Power Minister, has become the subject of intense scrutiny from both the OSP and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), particularly following developments in the United States concerning alleged bribery involving the transaction.

The Defence Strategy

Hammond's position centres on a carefully calibrated narrative: Dr Donkor accepts responsibility for ministerial oversight but categorically denies personal misconduct. According to the lawyer, the former minister's role was supervisory—ensuring the agreement was properly prepared and transmitted to Parliament for ratification. This framing attempts to distance Donkor from operational and commercial aspects of the deal.

The defence also makes pointed denials regarding specific allegations. Hammond stated unequivocally that Dr Donkor never met with Asante Berko, the former Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), nor engaged in negotiations with him. The lawyer further insisted that the former minister neither demanded nor received any money connected to the transaction. This denial extends to claims that any individual acting in Dr Donkor's name without authorisation should be held solely responsible for their actions.

Hammond employed a notable phrase to defend officials who travelled to Istanbul for equipment inspections: such activities constitute "standard practice" for major power projects. This argument seeks to normalise what some observers might view as suspicious activity, reframing technical due diligence as routine ministerial procedure.

Why It Matters for Ghana

The Aksa Energy controversy represents a critical test of Ghana's anti-corruption institutions and governance standards. The simultaneous involvement of both the OSP—an independent prosecutorial body established to combat corruption—and EOCO signals the severity with which authorities are treating these allegations. For Ghanaian citizens concerned with public resource management and accountability, the outcome of these investigations will send important signals about whether high-ranking officials face meaningful consequences for alleged misconduct.

The case also touches on broader questions about Ghana's energy sector procurement processes. Large-scale infrastructure contracts have historically been vulnerable points for corruption, and this investigation may illuminate systemic weaknesses in oversight and approval mechanisms. Furthermore, the international dimension—with proceedings in the United States—highlights how Ghana's reputation and the integrity of its government officials are scrutinised globally.

The forthcoming investigations by the OSP and EOCO are expected to establish whether any Ghanaian officials engaged in improper payments and whether criminal offences were committed. Until concrete findings emerge, the public discourse will likely remain characterised by denial and counter-narrative, as exemplified by Hammond's cautious legal positioning.