The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has defended its ongoing investigations into a US$17 million gold transaction dispute, insisting that its actions are lawful and within its mandate, despite mounting criticism from traditional authorities and a recent court ruling.
The dispute involves a Turkish company, Tayvest FZCO, which alleges it was defrauded after paying over US$17 million to JG Resources Limited for gold deliveries that were not fully honoured. The firm has petitioned the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID), naming several Ghanaian companies, including RMB Mining Company Limited, Goldline Mining Limited, SESI-EDEM Company Ltd, and JG Resources Limited.
At the centre of the controversy is SESI-EDEM Company Ltd, which reportedly received about GHC57 million and supplied part of the gold, with assurances to complete deliveries later.
The Volta Regional House of Chiefs had earlier raised concerns over EOCO’s handling of related matters involving the company and its owner, Dr Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, who also serves on the Council of State. The chiefs argued that EOCO’s actions were inconsistent with due process and judicial authority.
Their position was reinforced after the Adenta High Court ruled that EOCO had exceeded its mandate in handling what it described as a civil commercial dispute. The court also ordered the unfreezing of a bank account belonging to SESI-EDEM Company Ltd.
However, EOCO has maintained that its investigations are justified, saying in a statement issued on 9 April 2026 that it has received multiple petitions relating to alleged gold fraud involving the same individual and company.
The agency said it is currently handling three separate complaints which, according to it, follow a similar pattern of alleged fraudulent activity. It rejected claims that it had acted outside the law and suggested that efforts were being made to frustrate its work.
EOCO further stated that the individuals under investigation have failed to cooperate since November 2025, despite being given the opportunity to respond to the allegations.
The Office also disclosed that it has declared Dr Kwamigah-Atokple a fugitive from justice, alleging that he is on the run and believed to be hiding in the Volta Region. It added that its Surveillance and Asset Recovery Unit has been deployed to track and arrest him.
EOCO appealed to the public to provide information that could assist in his arrest, stressing that no individual is above the law.
Meanwhile, the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, led by Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, has urged EOCO to respect the ruling of the court and, if dissatisfied, pursue an appeal rather than continue its current course of action.
The chiefs warned that defiance of court orders risks undermining public confidence in Ghana’s justice system and constitutional governance.
The broader case stems from allegations that the gold transaction, involving Ghanaian and foreign entities, was not fully executed despite millions of dollars changing hands. The Turkish complainants are seeking recovery of an alleged US$6.8 million shortfall.
The matter continues to draw legal, institutional and public interest as investigations and counter-claims intensify.
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