EOCO Intensifies Probe Into Asante Berko Case, Vows Asset Recovery

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has announced it is stepping up investigations into the Ghanaian aspects of the bribery case involving *Mr. Asante Kwaku Berko*, a former Goldman Sachs investment banker and ex-Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).

In a news release issued *August 10, 2026*, EOCO said it has been closely monitoring the case since last year after receiving a request for information from US authorities. The US request sought details on specific individuals in Ghana, including a former Minister of State and public servants, in connection with alleged bribery.

According to EOCO, it began preliminary work with the *Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice* on the Ghanaian dimension of the case. The Office said it deliberately waited for developments in the US proceedings because evidence from that case could be key to shaping a proper investigation in Ghana.

Following Mr. Berko’s conviction in the US, the Attorney-General has now directed EOCO to *escalate its investigations* once relevant evidence and records are obtained through lawful international channels.

EOCO stressed that asset tracing and recovery will be a core part of its work.

“*Asset tracing and recovery form an integral part of EOCO’s investigative plan in this matter*,” the statement said. The Office will examine whether any proceeds, assets or property linked to suspected criminal conduct can be preserved and recovered for the State.

The Office also clarified that Mr. Berko’s conviction in the US does not automatically establish criminal liability for anyone 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*,” EOCO stated.

EOCO said it remains in active collaboration with US law-enforcement agencies and the Attorney-General’s Office to ensure the Ghanaian investigation is “comprehensive, evidence-based and capable of producing a lawful outcome.”

It added that while it appreciates public interest in the case, it will not release sensitive operational details that could jeopardize ongoing investigations or future prosecutions.

“*EOCO remains committed to following the evidence without fear or favour*, identifying and investigating economic and organised crime within its mandate, and pursuing the recovery of assets and public resources where the evidence and the law so require,” the release concluded.