By On April 23, 2025, Ghana Crimes Ltd. (@GhanaCrimes) announced on X that Raymond Archer has been appointed as the Acting Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). The post, which quickly gained traction, stated, “Raymond Archer is the new EOCO boss. Sakawa wouldn’t be appetising in Ghana henceforth.”
This development has sparked widespread discussion about the future of economic crime enforcement in Ghana, particularly regarding the notorious subculture of internet fraud known as “Sakawa.” But who is Raymond Archer, and what does his appointment mean for Ghana’s fight against cybercrime?
Who is Raymond Archer?
Raymond Archer is no stranger to the world of investigative journalism in Ghana. Renowned for his fearless exposés on corruption and financial impropriety, Archer has built a reputation as a security expert with a knack for uncovering hidden truths. According to a report by Ghanamma.com, his appointment comes at a pivotal time for EOCO, an agency tasked with tackling economic and organized crime in the country. Archer replaces Abdulai Bashiru Dapilah, who has been reassigned to the National Security Secretariat as a Technical Advisor.
Archer’s background in journalism is expected to shape his leadership at EOCO, bringing a fresh perspective to the agency’s operations. His expertise in uncovering financial crimes could strengthen EOCO’s investigative capacity, especially in a country where corruption remains a significant challenge. A 2025 Afrobarometer report cited by the U.S. Department of State revealed that 77% of Ghanaians believe corruption has increased over the past year, underscoring the urgency of Archer’s new role.
What is Sakawa, and Why Does It Matter?
For those unfamiliar with the term, “Sakawa” is a Ghanaian phenomenon that blends modern internet-based fraud with traditional African rituals. According to Wikipedia, the Hausa word “Sakawa” translates to “putting inside” or “how to make money.”
Sakawa practitioners, often referred to as “Sakawa boys,” engage in online scams targeting foreigners, using rituals like sacrifices to supposedly enhance their success. These fraudsters are known for their lavish lifestyles—flaunting luxury cars, stylish clothes, and enormous wealth—which has turned Sakawa into a cultural movement influencing music, fashion, and even movies in Ghana.
However, Sakawa is far from a harmless trend. It has contributed to Ghana’s challenges with money laundering and cybercrime, even leading to the country’s blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force in 2012. The economic impact is significant, as is the social cost, with many young Ghanaians in impoverished areas seeing Sakawa as a means of survival. EOCO, established to combat such economic crimes, now faces the daunting task of curbing this pervasive issue under Archer’s leadership.
Public Reaction: Hope, Skepticism, and Controversy
The announcement of Archer’s appointment has elicited a range of reactions on X. Some users expressed optimism about his potential to crack down on Sakawa. @YOUTH-PRESIDENT commented, “More raids on fraud sites in Accra,” suggesting expectations of increased enforcement.
However, others were less enthusiastic. @B_ohene1 sarcastically remarked, “He’s the head of sakawa😂 Someone who stole a book and published it 😂 The senior most sakawa man😂,” referencing allegations of plagiarism that have long shadowed Archer’s career.
This skepticism is not unfounded. Archer’s past controversies, including accusations of unethical practices, have raised questions about his suitability for such a critical role. Additionally, the broader context of corruption in Ghana—highlighted by posts like Manasseh Azure Awuni’s exposé on Zoomlion—paints a picture of systemic challenges that Archer will need to navigate. Awuni’s detailed critique of fraudulent contracts and government complicity underscores the uphill battle EOCO faces in restoring public trust.
What Can We Expect from Archer’s Leadership?
Archer’s appointment is part of a larger effort to inject new energy into Ghana’s security architecture, as noted by Ghanamma.com. His investigative background could lead to more aggressive probes into financial crimes, potentially disrupting Sakawa networks.
EOCO, located at Barnes RD near the Old Parliament House in Accra, has a mandate to monitor, investigate, and prosecute economic crimes, often in collaboration with the Attorney General. Under Archer, we might see an increase in high-profile raids, as hinted by X users, and a focus on recovering proceeds of crime.
However, the challenges are immense. Sakawa is deeply entrenched in Ghanaian society, with cultural acceptance in some quarters making enforcement difficult. Moreover, systemic corruption, as highlighted by the Afrobarometer report, could hinder Archer’s efforts. The success of his tenure will likely depend on his ability to address these structural issues while maintaining transparency and public accountability.
A Call to Action: Join the Conversation
Raymond Archer’s appointment as EOCO boss marks a turning point in Ghana’s fight against economic crimes like Sakawa. Whether he can deliver on the promise of a cleaner, more accountable system remains to be seen. What are your thoughts on this development? Do you believe Archer can make a difference, or will systemic challenges prove too great? Share your views in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for updates on this evolving story.
