The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) in Ghana has unveiled ambitious plans to conduct lifestyle audits, targeting both celebrities and individuals suspected of amassing unexplained wealth following a romance scam involving Hajia 4Reall.
Speaking on JOY NEWS, Edward Cudjoe, Head of Administration and Investigations at EOCO, revealed that the organization is currently in the process of implementing lifestyle audits for individuals suspected of possessing unexplained wealth.
We are leading the charge by ourselves, making certain proposals for the amendment of the law to align with international standards. This ensures that any gaps in your financial profile are substantiated by your earnings. Any disparities must be clarified to law enforcement, and the burden of proof rests on the individual to explain the origin of those resources, he said.
The decision to launch lifestyle audits follows a recent guilty plea by Ghanaian social media influencer and musician Mona Montrage, popularly known as Hajia4reall, in connection with a $2 million romance scam. In light of such incidents, EOCO recognizes the urgent need to address instances of financial impropriety and illicit wealth accumulation within the country.
This groundbreaking initiative underscores EOCO’s commitment to upholding financial transparency and accountability across all sectors of society. By scrutinizing individuals’ financial circumstances, EOCO aims to ensure that declared sources of income align with the wealth accumulated by individuals, fostering a culture of integrity and responsibility.
Edward Cudjoe emphasized EOCO’s proactive stance, signaling a departure from existing legal frameworks that limit investigations into the sources of wealth only when individuals become subjects of formal inquiries. This shift underscores EOCO’s determination to preemptively address financial irregularities and uphold the principles of financial integrity and accountability. Through robust audit procedures, EOCO aims to safeguard the economic interests of Ghana and promote a culture of lawful wealth acquisition and transparency among its citizens.
