On Thursday, August 22, 2024, the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) received special recognition from the Internal Audit Agency (IAA) for exemplary leadership at the 2024 Conference and Awards.

This recognition was among several categories where EOCO excelled, solidifying its reputation as a top-performing state institution.

The IAA awards are designed to honor heads of ministries, departments, and government agencies that provide adequate logistics, strengthen the capacity of their internal audit units, and ensure the effectiveness of internal control systems.

EOCO emerged as a standout performer after being recognized in multiple categories during the event held at the University of Professional Studies in Accra.

The event was attended by heads of various government agencies.

Following an audit assessment of state institutions for the 2023/2024 auditing year, EOCO was honoured with awards for Best Audit Committee (Accountability Institutions), Best ERM Compliant Institutions (Accountability Institutions), Best Internal Audit Unit (Accountability Institutions), and Best Head of Covered Entity (Accountability Institutions).

Dr. E. O. Osae, Director-General of the Internal Audit Agency, commended EOCO for its outstanding performance during the audit assessment and encouraged the organization to continue its excellent work.

Receiving the awards on behalf of EOCO, Executive Director, COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah (Mrs) expressed her gratitude to the IAA for the recognition.

She pledged that the awards would serve as a morale booster for both herself and the EOCO staff to continue their commitment to auditing compliance.

Speaking briefly to the media, she stated, “We will not become complacent after receiving these awards. They indicate that we are on the right track, and we must continue to follow the path that has been acknowledged and applauded by a state agency. I dedicate these awards to the EOCO staff who work tirelessly toward the institution’s development. While we have not yet achieved all our goals, I am confident that with unity and a shared purpose, we will realize the vision of our anti-corruption agency.”

Other notable awardees at the ceremony included the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the University of Cape Coast, the Bui Power Authority, and the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

Since assuming office, COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah (Mrs) has been credited with spearheading transformative changes within EOCO.

Under her leadership, the agency has collaborated with international organizations such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the USA, the City of London Police (CoLP), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

In 2023, EOCO recovered over GHC 232 million for the state through direct and indirect recoveries from the proceeds of crime.