Eswatini Parliamentary delegation pays working visit to EOCO to deepen collaboration on anti-corruption, governance

A high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Eswatini on Tuesday, 25th November 2025, paid a working visit to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra as part of a study tour of key governance and accountability institutions in Ghana.

The nine-member delegation, made up of five Members of Parliament, officials from Eswatini’s Ministry of Justice, the Eswatini Commission on Human Rights, and the Ministry of Public Service, was received by the Executive Director of EOCO and members of the Office’s management team.

The team was accompanied by an official from Ghana’s Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), which is coordinating the group’s institutional visits.

Co-led by Honourable Michael Masilela and Gugu Nsibande of the Eswatini Ministry of Justice, the visit forms part of a broader effort by Eswatini lawmakers to understudy Ghana’s operational frameworks in the areas of human rights protection, public administration, administrative justice and the fight against corruption.

The delegation said the engagement was crucial in helping them gain firsthand insight into practices that could be adapted and replicated in Eswatini.

EOCO took the delegation through a comprehensive presentation detailing the Office’s mandate, functions, and day-to-day operations.

An interactive session followed, during which the visitors sought further clarification on critical aspects of the EOCO Act (Act 804), the legal processes governing freezing, seizure, and confiscation of assets, as well as the Office’s asset management regime.

The delegation also expressed interest in EOCO’s whistleblower protection systems, safety protocols for investigators handling high-risk cases, and the tenure and governance structure surrounding the Office of the Executive Director.

Responding to the concerns, EOCO’s Executive Director, Raymond Archer emphasised that the Office places a premium on the protection of whistleblowers and informants.

He noted that confidentiality and anonymity are strictly safeguarded, adding that physical protection is provided in situations where individuals face potential threats due to the nature of information they provide.

Hon. Masilela, speaking on behalf of the Eswatini delegation, expressed deep appreciation for the warm reception and practical insights shared by EOCO.

He said the knowledge gained would significantly support Eswatini’s lawmakers in drafting stronger, more effective and operationally grounded legislation to combat organised crime and enhance governance in their country.

The visit to EOCO forms part of a series of engagements lined up for the Eswatini delegation as they explore Ghana’s institutional approaches to accountability, transparency, and rule of law.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith