The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) has announced its intention to launch lifestyle audits targeting celebrities and individuals suspected of possessing ill-gotten wealth.
The decision follows the recent guilty plea by Ghanaian social media influencer and musician Mona Montrage, also known as Hajia4real, in a $2 million romance fraud case.
The incident raised concerns about the perceived inability of Ghanaian authorities to curb the spread of illicit enrichment.
Also read: Hajia4Real pleads guilty in $2 million romance fraud case
said in an interview with JoyNews UpfrontEdward Cudjoe, EOCO’s head of management and research, revealed that the process is underway to launch a lifestyle audit of individuals with unexplained wealth.
He emphasized EOCO’s desire to depart from current law, which requires a person to be subject to an investigation before being questioned about the source of their wealth.
“We are taking the lead in making certain proposals to bring the law in line with international standards. This will ensure that gaps in the financial profile are backed up by income. “We have to make it clear to enforcement agencies. The burden of proof is on the individuals who explain the source of those materials,” he said.
Former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo has warned that unless a lifestyle audit is initiated soon, Ghana risks succumbing to the influence of drug traffickers.
Expressing his views on the issue, Mr Domelevo highlighted his concerns about the adequacy of the current system, saying: “Our system is not fit for purpose. “It needs to be considered in the context of our collective well-being.” If not addressed promptly, there is a risk that individual rights will be violated for the sake of the greater good. ”
Disclaimer: The views, comments, opinions, contributions and statements made by readers and contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Multimedia Group Limited.