President John Dramani Mahama has made a significant move by appointing Raymond Archer, a well-known investigative journalist, as the Acting Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). This decision comes in the wake of a sudden leadership shake-up at the anti-graft institution, which saw the reassignment of Abdulai Bashiru Dapilah, the outgoing EOCO boss, to the National Security Secretariat as a Technical Advisor.
The reasons behind this reshuffle remain unclear, but it marks a significant moment for Mr. Archer, who has been elevated from his previous role as Deputy Executive Director. With a background deeply rooted in journalism and forensic investigation, Archer brings a wealth of experience to his new role. For over a decade, he has been actively involved in anti-corruption and financial crime investigations, making him a fitting choice for this position.
Since 2019, Archer has led the Opponent’s Research Group (ORG), a covert team dedicated to uncovering high-level economic crimes and institutional corruption. His ties to EOCO date back to 2010 when he played a crucial role as a United Nations consultant in drafting the Economic and Organised Crime Act, which provided legal support for the establishment of the agency.
In addition to his journalism career, Archer is a Certified Counter Fraud Specialist and a consultant for various global firms, including KPMG Europe, Kroll & Associates UK, and Risk Analysis UK. He also owns cybersecurity firms that are in partnership with leading Israeli security companies.
The appointment of Archer signifies a potential strategic shift at EOCO, with expectations running high that his investigative background will bolster efforts to combat organized crime and corruption in the country. This move reflects President Mahama’s commitment to strengthening anti-graft measures and ensuring accountability within the government.
In conclusion, Raymond Archer’s appointment as the Acting Executive Director of EOCO marks a significant development in the fight against corruption in Ghana. His expertise in investigative journalism and forensic investigation positions him as a valuable asset in the ongoing battle against economic crimes and institutional corruption. President Mahama’s decision to appoint Archer underscores the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, setting the stage for a more robust approach to tackling organized crime and corruption in the country.
