GCTU Partners With EOCO Through Strategic MoU
The Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) has emerged as the first public university to have ever signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) on September 19, 2024, at EOCO’s Head Office in Accra.
This strategic MoU aimed at bridging the gap between academia and specialized state agencies such as the EOCO under which EOCO would leverage on GCTU’s cutting-edge technology and expertise in fostering knowledge sharing, skills development and capacity building for professional growth. On the other side, GCTU stands to benefit from EOCO in terms of securing internships and national service opportunities/placements for its students, creating a win-win situation for both institutions.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Director of EOCO, (COP) Maame Yaa Tiwa Addo-Danquah (Mrs.), was thrilled to renew her connection with GCTU, formerly Ghana Telecom University. “Today marks a significant partnership between EOCO and GCTU. Our mandate emphasizes collaboration and we occasionally formalize partnerships through MoUs with some institutions. We are delighted to sign one with GCTU,” she noted. COP Addo-Danquah highlighted the importance of a robust collaboration in combating rising crime with the use of digital forensics capacity building. She placed much premium on the partnership with the anticipated mutual benefits to accrue to both institutions.
Giving his remarks, the Pro. Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Robert Ebo Hinson, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, extended his heartfelt gratitude to EOCO for graciously hosting GCTU. Prof. Hinson emphasized the importance of universities collaborating with external organizations to create value for society, rather than operating in isolation.
“Modern universities no longer thrive in isolation. Instead, they cultivate fertile ecosystems that create value for society, not just train students,” he indicated. He provided background information on GCTU, highlighting its sole mandate to provide ICT training in Ghana through its range of comprehensive programmes, spanning undergraduate to postgraduate levels. “We look forward to operationalizing this MoU and fostering a fruitful relationship that benefits both institutions,” he stated.
Earlier, in a brief presentation, an officer from the EOCO’s Legal Department, Lawyer Sedina P. Gbeve, shared a valuable context on the evolution of EOCO from its Serious Fraud Office (SFO) operations and having been established by Act 2010 (Act 804) as a specialized agency in 2010. Lawyer Gbeve highlighted EOCO’s critical role in monitoring, investigating and facilitating economic and organized crime prosecutions under the authority of the Attorney General. This mandate, she said, empowers EOCO to tackle complex financial crimes and ensure that justice is served.
The Industrial Liaison Department, headed by Dr. Ahmed Antwi-Boampong, has been highly engaged with the promotion of GCTU’s industrial relations with identifiable establishments and securing opportunities for students’ engagement in practical training programmes. The Department facilitated the MoU negotiations.
