Raymond Archer
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has recovered more than GH¢600 million from the activities of criminal individuals and institutions, President John Mahama has revealed.
According to him, this forms part of government’s resolve to fight corruption and ensure that those who have stolen from the state are held accountable for their actions.
Addressing Parliament yesterday during his second State of the Nation Address of his second term, the President said as of December 2025, EOCO has recovered more than GH¢600 million and has investigated 462 cases, with 15 currently under prosecution.
He also noted that the anti-graft office has dismantled transnational carjacking syndicates, and has recovered 29 luxury vehicles that were stolen.
“The government remains resolute that corruption will not be tolerated, regardless of status or political affiliation,” the President stressed.
He further indicated that government has made progress in the fight against corruption through strengthened collaboration among law enforcement agencies, financial intelligence institutions and prosecutors.
“These efforts have led to initiation of criminal proceedings and assets forfeiture proceedings against some individuals and entities implicated in financial crimes against the state,” he said.
He added that the Attorney General’s office will continue to use both criminal prosecution and non-conviction based assets recovery mechanisms to ensure that stolen public resources are returned for national development.
The President, however, noted the sentiments of a large number of Ghanaians about the slow pace of prosecution of persons deemed to have stolen from the state.
“I understand that a large majority of Ghanaians are impatient to see those who abuse their public trust and office held to account,” the President acknowledged.
He noted with concern, references to periods when under military regimes and unconstitutional governments extra judicial means could be used to exact retribution against persons perceived us corrupt or who had abused the mandate given to them by the people.
“This may have appeared as swift justice, but many regrettable excesses were recorded,” the President pointed out.
He noted that a return to constitutional rule in 1992 means everything must be done in accordance with the constitution and the rule of law, to ensure rights of citizens are respected.
“I may be as impatient as everyone else to see justice done, but painstaking investigations must be conducted, dockets must be prepared, charges must be filed, and the accused must have their day in court, including appealing even the smallest points of law to higher courts,” the President said.
He added that this process is necessary to protect citizens against abuse or ill-treatment and to ensure that only those guilty of offences against the state are punished.
The President also reasserted his determination to uphold the accountability of public office holders to the people of Ghana.
“We have laid the Public Officers Code of Conduct Bill before Parliament. This bill codifies the conduct of public officers and makes breaches thereof punishable. I wish, at this juncture, to thank the Chief Justice for establishing specialised High Courts to address breaches identified in the Auditor General’s report,” President Mahama added.
BY Gibril Abdul Razak