Breakdown of bribes former TOR MD paid to Ghanaian officials to secure energy deal for Turkish firm

Asante Kwaku Berko, a former Goldman Sachs banker, allegedly made a series of payments to facilitate a Ghanaian power project, totaling more than $2 million in transfers and other expenses. A first payment of $500,000 was wired in April 2015, followed by a second transfer of $1.5 million in May 2015, on the same day a senior official signed the deal. Five Ghanaian officials were allegedly paid $5,000 each during a trip to Turkey, in addition to flights and hotel accommodation. A further $140,000 was later transferred as a reimbursement settlement.

An August 2015 email provided an itemized breakdown of alleged fund distribution, including $20,000 for the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), $10,000 for a named Ghanaian official, and $20,000 for Ministry of Power staff referred to as "MoP Girls." It also listed $25,000 for the "Power Team" and $20,000 for GRIDCo engineers. Parliament was allocated $30,000, with the email stating that "Parliament was all paid by Asante." Between $45,000 and $50,000 was listed for travel and visas for the Turkey trip. An additional $35,000 was described as "Asante personal," identified as Berko's own cut. The email ended with the phrase, "Kindly perform your magic," while one recipient was described as waiting for the "holy rain."