A federal jury has convicted Asante Kwako Berko, a U.S.-Ghanaian national, for his role in a bribery scheme aimed at securing a power plant contract in Ghana. During his tenure as an Executive Director at Goldman Sachs in 2014, Berko coordinated a deal involving the Turkish firm Aksa Enerji and the Ghanaian government.
Evidence revealed that Berko conspired to pay over $1 million in bribes to various officials to guarantee the project’s success. This included discussions regarding a $1 million payment to the Minister of Power and smaller inducements provided to five other officials during a trip to Turkey. Following the 2015 parliamentary approval of the deal, participants used complex financial maneuvers, including shell companies and fake invoices, to launder the bribe money.
Berko misled his own compliance department regarding his activities, leading Goldman Sachs to eventually exit the project due to ethical concerns. After being extradited from the United Kingdom in July 2024, the 52-year-old was found guilty of violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. He faces up to 30 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for November 10.
