Executive Director of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, has called for continuous collaboration and support from various stakeholders to effectively combat organized crime in Ghana.
She made these remarks during the inaugural Nationwide Essay Competition 2024 Awards Ceremony held on January 22, 2025, at the EOCO premises.
The Nationwide Essay Competition, which commenced on October 14, 2024, and concluded on November 21, attracted over 200 entries from students across Upper Primary, Junior, and Secondary Schools, under the guidance of the Ghana Education Service (GES).
Nine schools from each category were selected to compete for top honors. The competition recognized outstanding essays from various schools.
In the Junior Upper Primary category, De Youngster’s International School placed third, Forces Primary School came second, and Tefle Presbyterian Primary School in South Tongu took first place. In the Primary category, Glorious Child School secured third place while Liberty Hills International School won both second and first positions. For the Secondary school category, Mankessim Senior High School came third, Methodist Girls High School took second place, and Achimota Secondary School won first.
Winners received cash prizes, plaques, laptops or tablets, and other souvenirs from EOCO and partners such as Fidelity Bank, National Crime Authority (NCA), amongst others.
In her address, COP Addo-Danquah emphasized that tackling organized crime is crucial for creating a safe environment for investors.
“When we get everybody on board in the fight against organized crimes and economic crimes, that is when EOCO will stay ahead of crime,” she stated.
She reassured potential investors that their investments would be secure in Ghana if stakeholders work together to address these issues.
“… and once we are able to do that, investors and all those who want to come to Ghana will know that Ghana, when you come here, your investments will be safe,” she emphasized.
COP Addo-Danquah highlighted the importance of educating the public about EOCO’s mandate and its role in combating organized crime through initiatives like the essay competition.
She noted that engaging over 5,000 schools across the country has increased awareness about EOCO’s functions.
Additionally, she urged Ghanaians to cultivate a spirit of reading and writing to better understand societal issues.
