Ghana's "Botro-Bojo" anti-corruption fight

Asante Berko, a former Goldman Sachs executive and former Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), and Turkey's AKSA Energy were involved in a case where a US jury delivered a guilty verdict. It is alleged that monies were paid to government officials and Members of Parliament to influence the signing of a deal and its approval by Parliament. Goldman Sachs withdrew from the process after discovering that Mr. Berko had allegedly gone rogue, reportedly forcing him to resign and referring the matter to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Ghanaian law enforcement officials participated in the case. Despite these developments, Ghana proceeded with the deal, which was subsequently approved by Parliament. In 2024, Mr. Berko was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR). The article states that in 2007, a Norwegian court heard allegations that SCANCEM had paid US$4 million in bribes to Ghanaian officials, including allegations involving former President Jerry John Rawlings. The Mabey & Johnson and Bombardier cases also raised questions about corruption.