Ghanaian businessman Nana Appiah Mensah, widely known as NAM1, has publicly criticised the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over what he describes as “defamatory and unsavoury assertions” concerning his business operations.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mensah took issue with EOCO’s claims that an individual identified as Gabriel Kwamigah was a member of staff at the defunct gold-dealing firm Menzgold.
Mensah dismissed the assertion as factually inaccurate and inappropriate, stating that such remarks were “deficient in facts” and “ridiculous” coming from a state investigative body.
He further described the alleged claims as “distasteful, morally and legally offensive”, urging the agency to retract the statement immediately.
“Respectfully cease and desist,” he wrote, signalling a potential escalation if the matter is not addressed.
The remarks add to ongoing tensions between the embattled entrepreneur and state authorities, years after the collapse of Menzgold sparked widespread public outcry and legal scrutiny.
EOCO has not yet issued an official response to the claims at the time of filing this report.
EOCO had responded to recent criticism from the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, appearing to sidestep the legal issues raised by the traditional authorities regarding a US$17 million gold transaction in which a Turkish company has accused four Ghanaian firms of fraud and petitioned the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
The Volta Regional House of Chiefs had criticised EOCO’s conduct in its handling of matters involving the Volta Region’s representative on the Council of State, Dr Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, and his company, SESI-EDEM Company.
Tayvest FZCO, the Turkish firm at the centre of the dispute, reportedly paid more than US$17 million to Ghanaian company JG Resources for the purchase of gold, but now claims it was defrauded, alleging that the quantity of gold supplied was not commensurate with the funds transferred.
The company named RMB Mining Company Limited, Goldline Mining Limited, SESI-EDEM Company, and JG Resources Limited in its petition to the CID, demanding US$6.8 million to cover the shortfall in undelivered gold.
SESI-EDEM Company, which contributed GH¢57 million, supplied part of the gold and reportedly pledged to deliver the remainder by the end of July this year. However, JG Resources also petitioned EOCO to investigate the transaction, particularly the role of SESI-EDEM Company.
In a related development, the Adenta High Court recently ruled that EOCO had overstepped its mandate by involving itself in what it described as a purely commercial transaction between private parties. The court advised the aggrieved party to pursue a civil action and further directed EOCO to unfreeze SESI-EDEM Company’s bank account.
In a press statement dated Tuesday, 7 April 2026, the Volta Regional House of Chiefs expressed deep concern about EOCO’s actions, describing them as inconsistent with the principles of constitutional democracy and the rule of law. The House urged EOCO to proceed to the Court of Appeal if it was dissatisfied with the ruling.
The chiefs, led by Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, known in private life as Charles Hayibor, a senior lawyer, acknowledged the High Court’s decision, describing it as clear and unequivocal.
However, EOCO, in its response, insisted that its ongoing investigations into allegations involving Dr Kwamigah-Atokple are lawful and within its mandate. It also introduced additional elements, including references to the case involving Nana Appiah Mensah (NAM1) and Menzgold Ltd.
EOCO further disclosed that it had received three separate petitions against Dr Kwamigah-Atokple from undisclosed sources.
In a news release dated 9 April 2026, EOCO said it had taken note of public statements by the chiefs concerning its handling of the case involving Dr Kwamigah-Atokple, a member of the Council of State and owner of SESI-EDEM Company Ltd.
The Office stated that all three petitions relate to alleged gold fraud and appear to follow a similar pattern. It rejected claims of impropriety, maintaining that its investigations are being conducted in accordance with the law, and suggested that attempts are being made to obstruct its work.
According to EOCO, the promoters of SESI-EDEM Company appear to be acting as though they are above the law while attempting to build support to frustrate the investigative process.
The Office further indicated that since November 2025, it has given the suspect the opportunity to respond to the allegations and assist with investigations, but he has failed to cooperate. Instead, EOCO accused him of resorting to political, traditional and media channels to evade scrutiny.
EOCO subsequently declared Dr Kwamigah-Atokple a fugitive from justice, stating that he is currently on the run and is believed to be hiding in the Volta Region. It added that its Surveillance and Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) has been deployed to track and arrest him.
The agency called on the public to assist with information that could lead to his arrest, stressing that no individual is above the law.
The response follows criticism from the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, which cited the High Court ruling and urged EOCO to respect judicial authority and due process.
The chiefs also noted allegations by Dr Kwamigah-Atokple that EOCO has continued to act despite the ruling, including maintaining its investigations and publicly questioning the judgment. According to the House, such conduct undermines the court’s authority.
The statement stressed that if EOCO was dissatisfied with the ruling, it should pursue the appropriate legal channels by appealing the decision, rather than taking actions that appear to disregard the court.
The House further emphasised that no institution or public office is above the law and that court decisions must be respected at all times.
It therefore condemned EOCO’s posture, describing it as a threat to administrative justice and public confidence in the legal system.
The Volta Regional House of Chiefs called on EOCO to exercise restraint and demonstrate full respect for the authority of the courts, while reaffirming its commitment to upholding justice, due process, and the integrity of Ghana’s constitutional institutions.
