AKSA Deal: NDC Signed It, But NPP-Era Processes Raise Questions — Nana Kweku Essel
The Kwesimintsim Constituency Deputy Communications Officer hopeful Nana Kweku Essel has raised fresh questions about the controversial AKSA Energy deal, while acknowledging that the agreement was initiated under the NDC administration in 2015 as part of efforts to address Ghana’s power crisis.
Speaking on KYZZ FM’s Evening Political Programme, Oman Mu Nsem, Nana Kweku Essel said that although the agreement was signed under the NDC government, key processes surrounding the project continued after the NPP assumed office in 2017.
According to him, following the change of government, a delegation was sent to Turkey to inspect the AKSA Energy plant. He alleged that members of the delegation received US$5,000 each and questioned whether sufficient time was allowed for a thorough review of the project’s documentation and technical considerations before subsequent decisions were taken.
Nana Kweku Essel also alleged that the absence of a competitive bidding process created room for Asante Berko to serve as an intermediary in the transaction.
He further cited allegations contained in U.S. legal documents relating to payments connected to the deal, including an alleged discussion involving US$1 million. However, he stressed that the various allegations must be distinguished from proven facts.
Lawyer K.T. Hammond, who represented former Energy Minister Dr. Kwabena Donkor, has reportedly maintained that his client did not receive any money from the transaction.
Nana Kweku Essel also questioned the decision by the Energy Commission and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to approve what he described as a US$750 million extension involving a power plant that was already about 20 years old.
He further referred to parliamentary figures associated with the period, identifying Alhaji Amadu Bukari Sorogho as the then Chairman of the relevant Parliamentary Committee and Kobina Tahir Hammond as the Ranking Member. He also mentioned Asante Berko in connection with the management of the transaction and the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).
The Bigger Question
The AKSA Energy controversy continues to raise questions about procurement procedures, due diligence, intermediary arrangements and political accountability.
While Nana Kweku Essel’s comments have reignited debate over the events surrounding the project before and after the 2017 change of government, the allegations require careful examination against official records, parliamentary documents, court proceedings and other credible evidence.
At the heart of the controversy are several key questions: Who authorised the various stages of the deal? What processes were followed? Who benefited from the transaction? And were the required procurement, technical and due-diligence procedures properly observed?
KYZZ FM will continue to monitor developments surrounding the AKSA Energy controversy and provide updates as further information and documentary evidence emerge.