The Ghana Police Service has arrested convicted fraudster Eric Afoakwa, popularly known as “Chad,” while he was allegedly preparing to leave the country, bringing an end to years of evading justice following his conviction by the Accra High Court.
A statement issued by the Police said Afoakwa was apprehended on Monday, July 6, 2026, by officers from the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit acting on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
The arrest follows his conviction in absentia by the Accra High Court in 2019, where he was found guilty on five out of six criminal charges, including money laundering, defrauding by false pretences, forgery of official documents, and tax evasion.
The court, presided over by Justice Georgina Mensah Datsa, sentenced Afoakwa to eight years’ imprisonment on the various counts, with the sentences to run concurrently. In addition to the custodial sentence, the court ordered him to refund US$132,660 to the complainant in the case.
According to the Police, Afoakwa failed to present himself after the judgment and subsequently went into hiding. The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) later declared him wanted and appealed to the public for information that could lead to his arrest.
His latest arrest marks a significant breakthrough in efforts by law enforcement agencies to execute the court’s judgment after years of searching for the convicted fugitive.
The Police disclosed that Eric Afoakwa will be handed over to the Economic and Organised Crime Office to facilitate the enforcement of the High Court’s orders and for any further legal processes required.
The Ghana Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with EOCO and other state institutions to track down individuals who attempt to evade justice.
“The Ghana Police Service will continue to collaborate with relevant state agencies to ensure that fugitives from justice are arrested to face the full rigours of the law,” the statement said.
The arrest underscores the Police Service’s resolve to pursue convicted persons who abscond after sentencing and to ensure that court judgments are fully enforced in the interest of justice and the rule of law.
Story by Henry Eliud Yankey
