The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) of the Ghana Police Service (GPS) on Tuesday, inaugurated a new office at Techiman in the the Bono East Region for operational activities in the area.

The Executive Director of ECO, Commissioner of Police (COP) Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, in her inaugural remarks indicated that the office would enhance security, and fight against economic, financial, and other serious offenses in the region.

She noted that EOCO, backed by its mandate investigates in all the administrative regions of the country reported cases of financial losses to the state as compiled and published by the Auditor General.

The Executive Director stated that her outfit was established by the Economic and Organized Crime Office Act 2010 (Act 804) as a specialized agency to monitor and investigate economic and organized crime.

“We have been authorized by the Attorney General to prosecute such offenses in the country, recover the proceeds of the crime, and provide for other related matters,” she emphasized.

COP Addo-Danquah said that it was the mission of EOCO to lead a unified national effort in the combat against economic and organized crime in the country with dedication, integrity, professionalism, justice, and vigilance.

The Executive Director stressed that her outfit also partnered with local and international agencies to fight crime, provide safety and security for communities, and financial markets to ensure a friendly atmosphere and to render crime unattractive to criminals.

She canvassed the support of traditional authorities, religious leaders, various youth groups, government officials, public and private businesses, and other key stakeholders to partner with EOCO in the fight against economic and organized crime.

COP Addo-Danquah thanked the Bono East Regional Minister, Mr. Adu Gyan, and his Chief Director, Padmore Mensah, government agencies, and public and private institutions for supporting the activities of EOCO in the region.

The Sanaahene of Techiman Traditional Council (TTC), Nana Ankomah Frimpong II, on behalf of Nananom, expressed gratitude to COP Addo-Danquah and her team for situating the EOCO office at Techiman to improve security.

He indicated that Techiman, a cosmopolitan city, and the host of West Africa’s biggest food market, received different kinds of people, including criminals daily, and this indicates that “beefing up security is very expedient”.

Nana Ankomah Frimpong II, who is also the Chief of Twimia, noted that the crime rate has been increasing in the Bono East region and it has become a very worrying situation for Nananom amongst other stakeholders.

The chief implored the Members of Staff of the new regional office to eschew all forms of bad habits including bribery, corruption, nepotism, cheating, partisan politics, tribalism, and others in the discharge of their duties.

“The TTC is solidly behind your office to fight against economic and organized crime in our region. Fairness, respect for the rule of law, and love for God and country must be your hallmark,” he said.