Ghana Police Arrest Fugitive Fraud Convict Eric Afoakwa After Seven Years on the Run

Afoakwa was apprehended on July 6, 2026, by the Police Anti-Armed Robbery Unit during an operation carried out on the instructions of the Inspector-General of Police. His arrest comes years after he disappeared following his conviction and sentencing by the Accra High Court in 2019.

Convicted in Absentia in 2019

Eric Afoakwa was convicted in absentia by the Accra High Court, with Justice Georgina Mensah Datsa presiding over the case.

The court found him guilty on five of six criminal charges brought against him. The convictions included money laundering, defrauding by false pretenses, forgery of official documents, and tax evasion.

Following the judgment, the court sentenced Afoakwa to eight years’ imprisonment, with the sentences to run concurrently. He was also ordered to pay $132,660 in restitution to the complainant.

Seven Years as a Wanted Fugitive

Rather than report to prison after the court’s decision, Afoakwa went into hiding, triggering a nationwide search by law enforcement agencies.

The Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) subsequently placed him on its official wanted list, launching efforts to locate and apprehend the convicted fraudster.

For seven years, he successfully evaded arrest before authorities finally tracked him down.

Arrested While Attempting to Leave Ghana

According to the Ghana Police Service, officers intercepted Afoakwa on July 6, 2026, as he was allegedly preparing to leave the country.

The arrest was carried out by the Police Anti-Armed Robbery Unit following directives from the Inspector-General of Police to prevent his escape and ensure he faced justice.

Local media reports indicate that the operation was executed before the fugitive could cross Ghana’s borders.

To Be Handed Over to EOCO

Authorities have confirmed that Afoakwa is currently being processed for transfer into the custody of the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO).

Once the handover is completed, he is expected to begin serving his eight-year prison sentence and comply with the court’s order to pay the $132,660 restitution awarded to the complainant.

The arrest marks a significant breakthrough for Ghanaian law enforcement agencies in enforcing long-standing court judgments and bringing convicted fugitives to justice after years on the run.