‘Don’t Blame Only EOCO Officers; Hold Their Political Bosses Accountable’ — Dr. Osae Kwapong

Political analyst Dr. Osae Kwapong has called on Ghanaians to hold political leaders accountable alongside officials of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), arguing that responsibility for major corruption investigations should not rest solely on investigators.

His comments come amid heightened public debate over EOCO’s recent anti-corruption operations, including the arrest of former Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD) Executive Secretary Dennis Edward Aboagye, popularly known as “Miracles,” over the alleged misappropriation of approximately GH¢55 million in public funds.

According to Dr. Kwapong, while EOCO officers execute investigations and enforce the law, the broader political leadership that oversees state institutions should also be scrutinised and held responsible for governance failures.

He stressed that corruption often flourishes within systems shaped by political decisions, making it important for citizens to demand accountability not only from investigators but also from the political authorities under whose administrations alleged wrongdoing occurs.

Accountability Must Go Beyond Investigators

Dr. Kwapong argued that public attention frequently focuses on investigative agencies whenever high-profile arrests are made, while the political environment that enables misconduct receives less scrutiny.

He maintained that genuine accountability requires examining the decisions, oversight mechanisms and leadership of political office holders who supervise public institutions.

According to the analyst, anti-corruption institutions should be allowed to perform their constitutional duties independently, without becoming the sole targets of public criticism whenever politically sensitive investigations emerge.

Renewed Debate on Anti-Corruption Efforts

His remarks come as EOCO continues investigations into alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities at the IMCCoD.

The anti-graft agency has indicated that the investigations involve suspected offences including conspiracy to steal, causing financial loss to the state, using public office for profit, dissipation of public funds, fraud and money laundering. The investigations remain ongoing, and no court has determined the guilt or innocence of those under investigation.

The arrests have generated significant political debate, with supporters and critics expressing differing views on the agency’s actions and the broader fight against corruption.

Call for Stronger Governance

Dr. Kwapong emphasized that building strong democratic institutions requires accountability at every level of government.

He urged Ghanaians to support independent investigations while demanding transparency, integrity and responsible leadership from elected officials and political appointees.

He said strengthening public confidence in anti-corruption institutions depends not only on professional investigations but also on ensuring that political leaders accept responsibility for the systems they oversee.

As Ghana continues its efforts to combat corruption, the analyst believes that a comprehensive approach—one that holds both investigators and political leaders accountable—will be essential in promoting transparency, protecting public resources and strengthening democratic governance.