The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), in consultation with GIZ, has launched a five-year strategic plan to continue and effectively deal with crimes that are inimical to the economic fortunes of the state.
EOCO’s existence for over 12 years was essentially borne out of Ghana’s response to meeting its domestic and international commitments in the fight against money laundering, terrorism financing, and other forms of acquisitive crimes.
Over the years, the Office has played a crucial role in Ghana’s efforts at combating economic and organized crimes.
To ensure consistency in the Office’s efforts at delivering on its mandate, EOCO sought the assistance of GIZ’s Governance for Inclusive Development Programme, co-funded by the UK Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), for the development of a five-year strategic Plan for the Office.
At the launch, the executive director of EOCO, COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, said the Strategic plan is expected to bring some significant improvements to the internal processes of EOCO.
It also provides for a rejuvenated mission and vision statement, which succinctly aids the communication of a clear direction for the office over the course of the next five years.
“Indeed, the process of developing this Strategic Plan has been a painstaking one which has involved several consultations with our internal and external stakeholders.
It is thus expected that this all-encompassing document will provide the needed guidance to ensure the production of consistent and sustainable results for the Office”, the executive director said.
She also mentioned that the strategic plan sets out pragmatic steps for the Office to become more responsive to its mandate through the implementation of a robust asset recovery and management regime, the use of modern technology, the development of adequate human capital as well as the fostering of relevant partnerships.
Also at the launch, the deputy Attorney-General, Diana Asonaba Dapaah on behalf of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame was delighted to learn about the development of the Strategic Plan and noted that the plan shall serve as a blueprint and an evaluative tool against which the overall performance of EOCO shall be measured.
“The Strategic Plan will further provide a reliable planning framework for the operations and long-term sustainability of the Office”, he stressed.
He therefore called on all stakeholders to ensure that the Strategic Plan is not business as usual and needs dedicated passion, time and effort to see to its implementation.
COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah in her final remarks also urged stakeholders to closely monitor the implementation of this plan since it reflects EOCO’s shared ideals and interests regarding how the office can be a stronger and more resilient state institution going forward.