The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) has successfully hosted its first Nationwide Essay Competition Awards Ceremony, an initiative designed to educate the youth on the impact of organized crime and inspire them to contribute to its prevention.
The event attracted students from across Ghana, who explored topics such as cybercrime, financial crime, and social media misuse.
Through their essays, participants shared personal experiences and proposed innovative solutions to combat these pressing issues.
Empowering the Youth Against Organized Crime
Speaking at the event, EOCO’s Executive Director, COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, emphasized the role of education in tackling organized crime.
“This competition was designed to assess the knowledge of young people on issues such as cyberbullying and other prohibited cyber activities,” she said.
“The essays revealed an impressive understanding of these topics, with some participants drawing from personal experiences to enrich their submissions.”
One participant recounted how their sibling fell victim to cyberbullying, highlighting the emotional toll of such online abuse and the importance of creating awareness.
Part of a Five-Year Strategic Plan
The essay competition is a key component of EOCO’s five-year strategic plan to raise awareness about organized crime among young people.
COP Addo-Danquah stressed the need to provide the youth with knowledge and tools to make informed decisions.
“If we want to stay ahead in the fight against economic and organized crime, we need to educate our youth and empower them to make a difference,” she noted.
Students as young as nine years old offered insightful recommendations, including the responsible use of technology and distinguishing credible information from false content on social media.
Commendations from Stakeholders
Ransford Nana Addo Jnr, Head of Financial Crime Management at Fidelity Bank, praised the initiative for involving young people in the fight against organized crime.
“One participant wrote about cyberbullying, a concept even some adults struggle to understand. This shows we have a bright future, and initiatives like this should be encouraged,” he remarked.
Dominic Cummins, International Relations Officer at the National Crime Agency (NCA) in Accra, lauded the creativity and critical thinking displayed by the participants, emphasizing the importance of early youth engagement in building a resilient society.
Awards
Upper Primary Category
1st- Christian Delali Kattah from Tefle Presbyterian Primary- South Tongu
2nd – Zenab Abdul-Latif Tiyamba from Force Primary School, Burma Camp
3rd- Augusta Akofa Dompey Ama from De Youngsters International School, Kokomlemle
Junior High School Category
1st- Winnifred Akua Adutwumwaa Cudjoe from Glorious Child School, Pokuase
2nd- Anita Afriyie Ahorne from Liberty Hills International School
3rd- Alvin Nana Kwame Mccarthy from Glorious Child School, Pokuase
Senior High School Category
1st -Jewel Adebusola Adesanya from Achimota Senior High School
2nd- Munifatu Mutaru Tungteiya Goro from Mamfe Methodist Senior High School
3rd- Dorcas Quaye from Mankessim Senior High Technical School
They all took home a cash price , a plague, EOCO souvenirs, a tablet computer for both Upper and Junior High while SHs took a laptop computer.
Participants’ Reactions and Advice
Winners expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to a national cause.
They pledged to serve as ambassadors in their schools, spreading awareness about organized crime topics such as cybercrime, human trafficking, and the misuse of social media.
The overall winner encouraged their peers to seize every opportunity, give their best, and use the internet responsibly.
Another participant, motivated by rising cases of human trafficking, committed to educating others on its dangers.
The winners collectively advised their peers to: Avoid crime and focus on positive opportunities, use technology wisely and avoid its negative influences and unlock their potential and embrace entrepreneurship as a means of reducing crime.
EOCO plans to expand the initiative to include tertiary institutions and reach a broader audience in future editions. The agency is also deepening its collaboration with stakeholders to sustain awareness efforts and ensure proactive engagement in combating organized crime.
The ceremony ended with a call for society to use the internet positively and remain vigilant against its potential dangers.
EOCO reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an informed and proactive generation, contributing to a safer and crime-free Ghana.
