Former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo has been appointed by President John Dramani Mahama as Board Chairman of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), marking a significant return to Ghana’s anti-corruption landscape for the seasoned public servant.
The appointment brings Domelevo back to frontline corruption-fighting duties, positioning him to oversee the strategic direction of Ghana’s premier economic crimes investigation agency.
EOCO is a specialised agency mandated to monitor and investigate economic and organised crime and to prosecute such offenses, making this role particularly suited to Domelevo’s proven track record in financial oversight and anti-corruption efforts.
Domelevo’s tenure as Auditor-General between 2016 and 2021 was marked by his aggressive pursuit of corruption cases and his unwavering commitment to public financial accountability.
His auditing work during that period earned both domestic and international recognition, with his office implementing robust systems that exposed several high-profile cases of financial malfeasance in public institutions.
The timing of this appointment is particularly noteworthy, coming as the Mahama administration seeks to strengthen Ghana’s anti-corruption architecture.
EOCO has faced periods of reduced public confidence in recent years, with critics questioning the agency’s effectiveness in prosecuting high-profile economic crimes. Domelevo’s appointment signals a potential reinvigoration of the institution’s mandate.
The newly sworn-in board of the Economic Organized Crime Office has been directed by the office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice to operate in accordance with the office’s Act, ACT 804, and ensure the proper recovery of state funds.
This directive underscores the government’s expectations for the new leadership to deliver tangible results in asset recovery and prosecution of economic crimes.
Domelevo’s relationship with EOCO has not always been smooth. During his time as Auditor-General, there were instances of jurisdictional disputes between his office and EOCO, particularly over investigative boundaries and mandates.
However, his deep understanding of these dynamics may now prove advantageous in his oversight role.
The former Auditor-General brings extensive experience in financial scrutiny, having previously worked with international audit firms before joining the public service.
His appointment comes at a time when Ghana faces significant economic challenges, making the recovery of misappropriated state funds and prevention of economic crimes more critical than ever.
Industry observers expect Domelevo’s leadership to bring renewed vigor to EOCO’s operations, particularly in high-stakes corruption cases that have remained dormant.
His reputation for thoroughness and refusal to bow to political pressure during his auditing tenure suggests he will bring similar tenacity to his new role.
The appointment also represents a strategic move by President Mahama to restore public confidence in anti-corruption institutions, leveraging Domelevo’s credibility and proven commitment to fighting financial crimes.
As Ghana continues its efforts to strengthen governance and transparency, this appointment signals the administration’s intent to prioritize the fight against economic crimes through experienced and credible leadership.
Story Written By Prince Asante Kwarteng | Kobby Kyei News
