Raymond Archer Confirmed as Substantive Executive Director of EOCO

ACCRA , GHANA - Raymond Archer has been confirmed as the substantive Executive Director of Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), ending his period as acting head of the anti-graft agency. EOCO Board Chairman Daniel Domelevo said Archer officially assumed the position on October 27, 2026, following his tenure as acting executive director after the departure of Abdulai Bashiru Dapilah.

Archer’s confirmation comes after a rapid rise within Ghana’s fight against economic and organised crime. He first served as acting deputy executive director before being elevated to lead the agency in April 2025.

A former investigative journalist, Archer co-founded The Enquirer and served as editor of The Ghanaian Chronicle. At 29, he reportedly became the youngest and first African recipient of the Global Gold Medal for Excellence in Journalism from the International Federation of Journalists.

His professional background also includes work in intelligence, counter-fraud and governance. In 2010, he served as a lead United Nations consultant involved in drafting Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Act, known as Act 804, which established the legal framework for EOCO.

Under his leadership, the agency has pursued high-profile investigations, including cases involving former public officials, alleged corruption and suspected money laundering. EOCO has also worked with international partners, including the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, to recover luxury vehicles allegedly bought with proceeds of crime.

The agency has further reopened investigations into former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah and has intensified operations against human trafficking. Reports indicate that an EOCO operation in Oyarifa, Accra, led to the rescue of more than 200 victims and the arrest of 35 suspects.

Archer’s leadership, however, has attracted criticism from some opposition figures, who accuse him of political bias and allege that EOCO’s investigations could be influenced by personal or partisan interests. Supporters of the agency reject those claims and describe its recent activities as evidence of a stronger anti-corruption drive.

With his appointment now confirmed, Archer is expected to guide EOCO through a period of heightened public scrutiny. His tenure will be judged by the agency’s ability to secure convictions, recover suspected proceeds of crime and maintain public confidence in its independence.