Report By: Ishmael Barfi
Accra, Ghana – The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) has achieved a significant milestone in its asset recovery initiative, successfully recovering GH¢279 million derived from criminal activities.
According to Leo Anthony Siamah, the Head of Legal and Prosecution at EOCO, the recovered amount includes over GH¢200 million and $79 million, along with more than 60 vehicles, as well as various parcels of land and properties associated with convicted individuals and suspects.
Siamah shared this information during a presentation at a sensitization workshop organized by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) in collaboration with the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, in Accra.
He noted that, the assets recovered are a result of EOCO’s dedication to combating economic and organized crime in Ghana.
The office has been diligently working to identify and recover proceeds of crime, and this achievement underscores its commitment.
Despite this success, the Head of Legal and Prosecution at EOCO reiterated that, the institution encounters challenges in asset recovery, including complex legal procedures and limited international cooperation with countries that may not assist if the offense under investigation carries the death penalty and prolonged litigation that allows suspects to conceal or transfer assets
“To tackle these issues, EOCO is enhancing its strategy by employing forensic accounting, digital asset tracking, and initiating early auctions to preserve asset value”, he said.
Adding that “EOCO remains steadfast in its commitment to recovering proceeds of crime and managing these assets effectively to support Ghana’s economic development”.
The office’s initiatives are vital in the fight against economic and organized crime, and its accomplishments serve as a deterrent to potential offenders. EOCO’s asset recovery drive has produced remarkable results, with GH¢279 million recovered, and its unwavering dedication to combating crime is expected to continue yielding positive outcomes.
Source: www.thnewindependentonline.com
