The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has stepped up investigations into the Ghanaian aspect of the bribery case involving former Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Managing Director and Goldman Sachs banker, Asante Kwaku Berko.

The anti-corruption agency says it has commenced efforts to identify and trace funds, assets and other financial benefits that may be connected to the alleged bribery scheme.

The move follows Mr Berko’s conviction by a US federal jury over his role in a scheme involving the payment of more than US$1 million in bribes to Ghanaian officials in connection with the development and financing of a power plant.

In a statement issued on Monday, August 10, EOCO said the tracing and possible recovery of assets form a central part of its investigation into the Ghanaian dimension of the case.

The Office said investigators will examine financial transactions, individuals who may have benefited, assets acquired and proceeds suspected to have originated from or been connected to criminal activity.

It added that any assets identified as linked to unlawful conduct could be preserved and recovered where the evidence and applicable Ghanaian laws support such action.

EOCO disclosed that its investigation began in 2025 after it received a request from US authorities for information on people in Ghana who were considered relevant to the bribery investigation.

The request included information concerning a former Minister of State and other public officials.

Since then, EOCO says it has been working with the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice on the Ghanaian component of the case while following developments in the US proceedings.

Following Mr Berko’s conviction, the Attorney-General has engaged US authorities to obtain evidence, documents and other information that could assist the ongoing Ghanaian investigation.

The Attorney-General has also directed EOCO to intensify its work as additional information becomes available through formal international cooperation mechanisms.

EOCO, however, cautioned against assuming that Mr Berko’s conviction automatically establishes criminal wrongdoing by anyone in Ghana whose name may feature in the evidence.

The agency said each individual would be assessed separately based on the evidence relating to that person and in accordance with Ghanaian law.

EOCO said it would continue to pursue the financial trail but would not disclose sensitive investigative details that could undermine ongoing investigations or possible prosecutions.

US prosecutors had alleged that Mr Berko participated in a scheme to bribe Ghanaian officials with more than US$1 million in connection with a power plant project.