Tensions are escalating between the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Volta Regional House of Chiefs over the agency’s pursuit of Dr. Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, the region’s representative on the Council of State.
While EOCO has declared Dr. Kwamigah-Atokple a fugitive on the run, the Volta Regional House of Chiefs has accused the anti-corruption agency of persistent harassment and open defiance of a High Court ruling in the matter.
Chiefs Condemn EOCO’s Conduct
In a strongly worded statement signed by the President of the House, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, the chiefs expressed serious misgivings over what they described as EOCO’s improper conduct and apparent disregard for judicial authority.
The statement cited a recent High Court ruling which determined that EOCO had acted without lawful mandate and in violation of constitutional principles of fairness in handling the case. According to the chiefs, the court’s decision was clear and unequivocal. Yet, they noted, EOCO continued to pursue actions that openly challenged and defied the court’s authority by maintaining its investigations and publicly questioning the judgment.
“The VRHC wishes to state, without equivocation, that such conduct is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law,” the statement maintained.
Appellate Process Available
The House said that if EOCO was dissatisfied with the ruling, the proper course was to invoke the appellate processes of the courts. Resorting to actions that appeared to disregard judicial authority amounted to conduct that interfered with the administration of justice.
“The decisions of our courts must be respected under all circumstances, and no institution or public office, regardless of its mandate, is above the law,” the statement pointed out.
The House strongly condemned EOCO’s posture, calling it a troubling affront to administrative justice and the constitutional order. It urged EOCO to act with restraint and demonstrate full respect for the rule of law.
EOCO Fires Back
In a swift response, EOCO rejected the chiefs’ characterisation of the matter. The agency disclosed that it is currently handling three petitions against Dr. Kwamigah-Atokple and his company, Sesi-Edem Company Ltd, all bordering on allegations of gold fraud that appear to follow the same pattern.
EOCO assured the public that it stands firm and is working perfectly within its mandate and according to law. The office believes that what is unfolding is rather a case of the promoters of Sesi-Edem Company acting as if they are above the law while building a coalition to actively obstruct investigations and justice.
It said since November 2025, the office has accorded the suspect and his company the opportunity to prove their innocence. “They have rather unfortunately refused to submit to the investigations and is seeking to use politics, tradition, and media campaign as a refuge.”
Fugitive on the Run
EOCO has declared Dr. Kwamigah-Atokple a fugitive from justice who is on the run and believed to be hiding in the Volta Region. The agency disclosed that its Surveillance and Asset Recovery Unit has deployed assets to locate, identify and arrest the fugitive.
“The Office wants to assure the public that NO ONE is above the law and that the fugitive will be brought before the law,” the statement read.
EOCO urged anyone with information about the fugitive’s whereabouts to contact the nearest EOCO office.
Conference of Presiding Members Joins Fray
In a related development, the Conference of Presiding Members of Municipal and District Assemblies in the Volta Region has expressed similar concern, saying it would not sit aside while certain individuals and institutions embark on a deliberate campaign to malign the region’s representative on the Council of State.
