Berko Conviction: Vicky Bright raises alarm over Ghana’s institutional failures

By Hubeyidatu Mumuni

Lawyer and policy expert Vicky Bright has criticised what she describes as “greed” and institutional failures following the conviction of former Goldman Sachs executive Asante Kwaku Berko in the United States.

Berko was convicted by a US federal jury on August 6 over a bribery scheme involving more than US$1 million in illicit payments linked to a US$720 million power plant contract awarded to Turkish energy company Aksa Enerji.

Speaking on current affairs, Bright expressed concern that the actions of accomplished Ghanaian professionals involved in corruption can damage the country’s international reputation and affect opportunities for others.

She questioned why individuals who already earn substantial incomes would risk their careers and Ghana’s image for relatively small personal gains.

Bright identified three major areas of harm arising from the Aksa deal: procurement, economic and institutional damage.

She argued that alleged bribery could have undermined a fair procurement process, while the reported cost of the project raised concerns about Ghana potentially entering into unfavourable contractual and financial arrangements.

She also criticised Ghanaian institutions for failing to independently detect and address the alleged corruption, noting that foreign authorities ultimately played a key role in bringing the matter to light.

Bright called for a thorough investigation into the Aksa Energy deal and urged Ghanaian authorities to hold all individuals who may have benefited from the alleged scheme accountable.

She said the case should serve as a wake-up call for stronger transparency, accountability and enforcement within Ghana’s public institutions.