The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) conducted 720 investigations in 2024, resulting in 26 prosecutions and only two convictions, according to data released as part of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition’s (GACC) State of Corruption Report 2024.
While EOCO recorded substantial financial recoveries—amounting to over GH¢269 million through both direct and indirect means—anti-corruption observers have welcomed the results with cautious optimism, citing the low number of successful prosecutions as evidence of lingering institutional limitations.
Breakdown of financial recoveries
EOCO’s biggest headline achievement in 2024 came in the form of asset recovery.
The Office directly recovered GH¢35.94 million, which was paid into the Consolidated Fund.
In addition, a further GH¢233.08 million was indirectly recovered and returned to various public and private institutions, reinforcing EOCO’s position as a key player in the fight against economic and organised crime.
These figures mark a notable increase from previous years and reflect efforts by EOCO to enhance investigative capacity and inter-agency collaboration.
Expanded mandate and international partnerships
Beyond financial enforcement, EOCO broadened its scope to tackle more complex criminal networks.
In partnership with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), EOCO recovered 65 stolen vehicles, signalling growing cooperation with international agencies.
The Office also undertook several public sensitisation initiatives, including a national essay competition targeting students.
Topics covered included cybercrime, human trafficking, and money laundering—part of EOCO’s strategy to promote civic responsibility and prevention through education.
“These efforts show that EOCO is not just reacting to crime but working to prevent it by informing and engaging the public, particularly young people,” the report said.
GACC flags institutional challenges
Despite the milestones, the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition says deeper structural problems continue to undermine EOCO’s full potential.
In its 2024 report, GACC points to operational delays, political interference, limited prosecutorial autonomy, and persistent underfunding as factors that restrict EOCO’s effectiveness.
The low conviction rate, they argue, is a consequence of these systemic issues.
“The Office cannot operate at its full potential when it is constrained by insufficient resources and lacks the independence to act swiftly and decisively,” the report stated.
With over GH¢269 million recovered in 2024 alone, EOCO has proven its ability to deliver financial results.
But critics argue that without a corresponding increase in prosecution and conviction rates, the deterrent effect of its work remains limited.
The coming years, observers say, will test whether Ghana’s anti-corruption institutions can overcome the bureaucratic and political obstacles that have long blunted their impact—or risk returning to a cycle of inefficiency and public frustration.
