Fugitive fraud convict ‘Chad’ arrested after seven years on the run

A seven-year search for convicted fraudster Eric Afoakwa, popularly known as Chad, has ended with his arrest by the Ghana Police Service.

Police say Afoakwa, who was sentenced in absentia in 2019, was picked up while allegedly preparing to leave the country.

The arrest was carried out by officers from the Anti-Armed Robbery Unit on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police.

In a statement issued on Sunday, July 6, 2026, the Police said the convict will be handed over to the Economic and Organised Crime Office for the enforcement of the High Court’s judgment against him.

Afoakwa had been wanted since the Accra High Court convicted him in 2019 on five out of six charges brought against him.

The charges included money laundering, defrauding by false pretences, forgery of official documents and tax evasion.

Justice Georgina Mensah Datsa sentenced him to eight years’ imprisonment.

The sentences were ordered to run concurrently.

The court also directed him to refund US$132,660 to the complainant in the case.

After the judgment, Afoakwa reportedly went into hiding.

EOCO later declared him wanted and appealed to the public to assist with information that could lead to his arrest.

Police say his capture forms part of efforts to ensure that persons convicted by the courts do not escape punishment by going into hiding.

The Service said it will continue working with relevant state institutions to track fugitives and ensure that court decisions are enforced.

Afoakwa is expected to be transferred to EOCO for the next stage of the process.