You’ll be ‘very hot’ when power shifts – NPP’s Awal warns EOCO boss

Awal Mohammed, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communications team, has criticized the Acting Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Raymond Archer, for what he describes as selective and inconsistent handling of investigations.

His comments come in response to a directive from the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, instructing EOCO to probe two high-ranking opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) officials—Joseph Yamin, National Organiser, and Yakubu Abanga, Third Vice Chairman—over alleged involvement in illegal mining (galamsey).

Speaking on Peace FM’s The Platform, Awal questioned why EOCO had yet to take visible action, despite the directive. He contrasted this delay with what he described as EOCO’s previously swift actions under Archer’s leadership when investigating NPP members.

“When Raymond Archer was appointed as EOCO boss, he made several arrests all in the name of investigations. If it’s not political bias, he should be consistent and act swiftly to arrest Yamin and Abanga,” Awal stated.

He went further to suggest that EOCO may not be committed to pursuing the matter, accusing the agency of dragging its feet. Awal warned that if political power shifts, Raymond Archer could face scrutiny for his decisions.

“At any point in time the NPP comes back to power, Raymond Archer will be very, very hot,” he said pointedly.

Awal also alleged that illegal mining is rampant within the NDC’s upper ranks, claiming that “there’s no top-level NDC figure who can deny involvement in galamsey.” He accused the party of feeling untouchable due to their hold on power, adding, “Frankly, we’re tired of talking about it. Galamsey is worsening by the day.”

His comments add fuel to the already tense political climate surrounding illegal mining and perceived partisanship in state institutions.