Eric Afoakwa, also known as Chad, was arrested on Sunday, July 6, 2026, by officers from the Ghana Police Service's Anti-Armed Robbery Unit.

The operation was carried out on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP). The Ghana Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant state institutions to track down fugitives and bring them to justice. Afoakwa was apprehended while allegedly preparing to leave the country, which suggests he had already planned his escape.

Eric Afoakwa was convicted in absentia by the Accra High Court in 2019 on five of six charges, including money laundering, defrauding by false pretences, forgery of official documents, and tax evasion. The court, presided over by Justice Georgina Mensah Datsa, sentenced him to serve eight years' imprisonment concurrently.

He was also ordered to refund US$132,660 to the complainant in the case. Following the judgment, Afoakwa went into hiding and was subsequently declared wanted by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), which appealed to the public for information leading to his arrest.

The Ghana Police Service said the suspect will be handed over to EOCO to facilitate the enforcement of the court's judgment. Afoakwa spent seven years on the run to evade the prison sentence.

The suspect's case highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in apprehending fugitives who have the means to evade justice. It also underscores the need for continued cooperation between state agencies to ensure that those who break the law are held accountable.

Key Facts

  • Eric Afoakwa was arrested by the Ghana Police Service's Anti-Armed Robbery Unit on July 6, 2026.
  • He was convicted in absentia by the Accra High Court in 2019 on five charges, including money laundering and defrauding by false pretences.
  • The court sentenced him to serve eight years' imprisonment concurrently.
  • He was ordered to refund US$132,660 to the complainant in the case.
  • Afoakwa went into hiding after the judgment and was declared wanted by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in 2019.

The Ghana Police Service has been praised for its efforts in tracking down Afoakwa, who had managed to evade justice for seven years. With his arrest, the law enforcement agency has demonstrated its commitment to bringing fugitives to justice.

'The Police said the suspect will be handed over to EOCO to facilitate the enforcement of the court's judgment.'

The handover of Afoakwa to EOCO marks an important milestone in the case, as it ensures that the court's judgment is enforced. The Ghana Police Service has reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant state institutions to track down fugitives and ensure they face the consequences of their actions.

The economic impact of Afoakwa's crimes is still being assessed. The US$132,660 he was ordered to refund to the complainant is a significant amount, which suggests that the extent of his crimes could be substantial.

The Ghanaian government has been keen to show its commitment to combating financial crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice. Afoakwa's arrest and impending trial are a significant step towards this goal.

The Ghana Police Service will continue to work with EOCO and other state agencies to ensure that those who break the law are held accountable. The case of Eric Afoakwa serves as a reminder that no one is above the law, and that justice will be served in Ghana.

The trial of Afoakwa is expected to commence soon, and the Ghanaian public will be watching closely to see how the case unfolds. With his arrest, the law enforcement agency has demonstrated its commitment to bringing fugitives to justice and upholding the rule of law in Ghana.