Andrew Appiah-Danquah, has urged state institutions to take lifestyle audits and unexplained wealth investigations more seriously in the fight against economic crime.
Private legal practitioner and spokesperson for the Movement for Change, stressed the need for Ghana to strengthen its legal framework.
“So EOCO, FIC, I think they need to look seriously at lifestyle audit issues. I think in the UK they have ‘Unexplained Wealth Order.’ I don’t think we have anything of that nature here. So we also need to find a way of putting all these laws into one full law to make it easier,” he said on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, August 23.
He noted that although EOCO has made progress, their work must extend beyond partisan interests. “I will encourage EOCO, I think they are doing a great job. In fact, EOCO for a long time has been weaponised as a political tool going after politicians. But EOCO’s job is not just to deal with politicians because economic crime isn’t just about politicians,” he remarked.
Appiah-Danquah further insisted that Ghana must enforce existing laws more rigorously. “I think it is high time they treat the Anti-Money Laundering Act seriously and they treat all the various bits of laws that deal with unexplained wealth seriously,” he added.
His comments come at a time when the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has granted bail to dancehall artiste Shatta Wale, born Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr., under strict conditions.
Confirming the development, his media manager, Samuel Atuobi Baah, popularly known as Sammy Flex, disclosed that EOCO set bail at GHC10 million with two sureties. “The dancehall king’s management and legal team are working tirelessly to meet the requirements for his release by Thursday, August 21, 2025,” Flex revealed in a video update.
He clarified that the ongoing investigation is centered on Shatta Wale’s tax compliance, particularly regarding his yellow Lamborghini and business activities. Rumours of other allegations, he stressed, were unfounded.
Shatta Wale voluntarily reported to EOCO on Wednesday, August 20, together with his lawyer, Cephas Biyuo, to assist with the investigation. “Mr. Mensah is fully cooperating with the authorities,” Flex assured, while urging fans to remain calm and trust the judicial process.
