Accra: The Governing Board of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has directed the agency's management to comply strictly with an interim injunction issued by the Adenta High Court, ordering a halt to all actions involving gold dealership firm Sesi-Edem Company Limited.
According to Ghana Web, the directive, contained in a letter dated April 22, 2026, and signed by the Board Secretary, Sedina Gbeve, follows a petition filed by the company alleging abuse of power, unlawful investigation, and defiance of court orders by EOCO's Acting Executive Director, Raymond Archer, and his deputy, Ben Ndego. The Board, chaired by former Auditor-General Daniel Yao Domelevo, acknowledged the ongoing legal disputes between the parties but stressed the need for adherence to the court's orders.
The petition, submitted by Sesi-Edem through its lawyers, Knightscild Chambers, accused EOCO's leadership of misconduct in its handling of investigations into the company. However, after referring the matter to its Legal Sub-committee and reviewing court rulings and internal reports, the Board said it found no evidence of abuse of power. On the allegation of unlawful investigation, the Board declined to comment, citing ongoing proceedings before the High Court.
Similarly, the Board refrained from making any determination on claims that EOCO had defied court orders, noting that the issue remains before the court and is subject to an appeal and an application for stay of execution. Despite these reservations, the Board emphasised that EOCO must operate within the law.
Meanwhile, Sesi-Edem Company Limited has rejected media reports suggesting that EOCO is free to continue its investigations, insisting that the injunction remains in force. In a statement issued on Saturday, 25 April 2026, the company explained that the High Court's interim injunction, granted on 14 April 2026, restrains EOCO from, among other things, declaring its directors wanted or taking steps to arrest, detain, or otherwise interfere with their liberty.
The dispute stems from a US$14.3 million gold supply transaction involving Sesi-Edem Company Ltd, JG Resources, and Turkish firm Tavest FZCO. The latter claims it paid for 50 kilogrammes of gold but received only 32.8 kilogrammes. JG Resources subsequently reported the matter to EOCO, alleging fraud. However, the Adenta High Court ruled that the dispute was a private commercial transaction and fell outside EOCO's mandate, directing that it be pursued through civil proceedings.
Tensions escalated after EOCO publicly described the Volta Regional representative on the Council of State, Dr Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, as a 'fugitive'. In a subsequent affidavit filed before the court, the agency retreated from that position, stating that no formal 'wanted' notice had been issued. EOCO maintained that its earlier statement was merely a general press release issued in response to media discussions and did not constitute an official declaration.
In the latest development, the presiding judge, Justice Aboagye Rockson, has recused himself from the case and adjourned proceedings indefinitely, directing that the interlocutory injunction application be returned to the earlier judge, Justice Richard Apietu, to ensure consistency in rulings. The case remains before the courts as both sides continue to contest the legality of EOCO's actions and the scope of its investigative powers.