Former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu has raised serious concerns over what he describes as the growing politicization of state investigative bodies, accusing the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) of being turned into a political tool under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama.
In his latest statement, Amidu alleged that Attorney-General Dominic Ayine has played a central role in reshaping EOCO’s focus to serve partisan interests, particularly under the government’s “Operation Recover All Loot” (ORAL) initiative — a project launched in December 2024 to trace and recover alleged proceeds of corruption.
Alleged Political Motives Behind EOCO Support
Amidu questioned the motive behind Dr. Ayine’s recent donation of six heavy-duty printers to EOCO, suggesting that the gesture was not merely administrative support but part of a broader strategy to equip the agency for politically driven investigations.
“Common sense would alert any rational being that the so-called ‘looters’ targeted under ORAL are the perceived adversaries of the incoming Mahama government and Dominic Ayine,” Amidu argued.
He linked the donation to a February 2025 EOCO briefing for the Attorney-General, claiming the timing and urgency of the support reflected a deliberate attempt to prepare the agency to pursue opposition figures under the guise of anti-corruption work.
ORAL and EOCO’s Expanding Role
According to Amidu, the ORAL Committee, chaired by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, had received over 2,400 corruption-related complaints, which President Mahama directed the Attorney-General to channel to EOCO for investigation.
“Under Ayine’s watch, EOCO was systematically being weaponized to go after the government’s perceived political adversaries under the smoke screen of Operation Recover All Loot,” Amidu stated, alleging that between January and May 2025, significant changes were made within the agency’s leadership and operations to align with political directives.
Call for Institutional Integrity
Amidu’s latest commentary revives long-standing debates about the independence of Ghana’s anti-corruption institutions and their vulnerability to executive influence. He warned that the politicization of investigative bodies could erode public confidence and weaken the fight against corruption.
He concluded with a pointed caution: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
The government has yet to formally respond to Amidu’s claims, but sources within the Ministry of Justice have in the past defended EOCO’s actions as being in line with its legal mandate to investigate economic crimes without fear or favour.
As the political temperature rises ahead of the 2028 elections, Amidu’s accusations add a new layer of tension to the national conversation on governance, accountability, and the integrity of state institutions.
