The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has explained that the arrest of former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD), Dennis Edward Aboagye, popularly known as Miracles, forms part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation and diversion of about GH¢55 million in public funds.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, EOCO said Mr Aboagye, together with former IMCCoD Accountant Gerald Appiah and other unnamed individuals, is being investigated over alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities at the IMCCoD Secretariat.
The anti-graft agency said the investigation followed a petition submitted by the current Executive Secretary of IMCCoD requesting further investigations into a forensic audit covering the period from August 1, 2022, to February 2, 2025.
According to EOCO, the probe, which began after the initial forensic audit, concerns the “suspected misappropriation, misapplication, diversion and theft of public funds amounting to about GH¢55 million.”
The Office said Mr Aboagye, Mr Appiah and other persons are being investigated for suspected offences including conspiracy to steal and stealing, using public office for profit, causing financial loss to the state, dissipation of public funds, defrauding by false pretences, money laundering and other related offences.
EOCO further disclosed that Mr Appiah has voluntarily started refunding funds allegedly linked to the offences under investigation.
“EOCO notes that Gerald Appiah has voluntarily begun refunding (returning the loot) of funds connected to the crimes under investigation. These recoveries do not, by themselves, conclude the investigative process, neither does it absolve any suspect of any crime,” the statement said.
Circumstances surrounding Aboagye’s arrest
EOCO explained that recent developments in the investigation prompted the decision to arrest Mr Aboagye.
“Following significant new findings last week relating to suspected fraud and theft involving Mr Dennis Aboagye, EOCO initiated an operational plan to effect his arrest this week,” the statement said.
The Office disclosed that a Stop Order had been placed on Mr Aboagye a week earlier to prevent any travel that could affect the investigation. However, it said it later discovered that he had already travelled outside Ghana.
According to EOCO, officers of the Ghana Immigration Service executed the Stop Order when Mr Aboagye arrived at the Kotoka International Airport on Saturday night and subsequently handed him over to EOCO on Sunday morning.
The Office added that Mr Aboagye later accompanied investigators during a search operation on Sunday, with further actions expected as the investigation continues.
EOCO assured the public that the rights of all suspects would be respected throughout the process.
“EOCO further confirms that Mr Aboagye will be granted bail in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of Ghana. Likewise, Mr Gerald Appiah is expected to complete his bail conditions today and will be released while investigations continue,” it stated.
The Office reiterated its commitment to conducting the investigation “professionally, impartially and strictly within the law” while respecting the constitutional rights of persons involved.
Political reactions
The arrest of Mr Aboagye generated political reactions over the weekend after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, alleged that the former IMCCoD Executive Secretary had been arrested by EOCO at the Kotoka International Airport and initially denied access to his lawyers.
The NPP subsequently called for his immediate release or arraignment before a competent court, describing the arrest as politically motivated.
Akuapem North MP and former NPP National Organiser, Sammi Awuku, also criticised the development, alleging that opposition voices were increasingly being intimidated.
However, EOCO maintained that Mr Aboagye’s arrest is connected to an ongoing criminal investigation into alleged financial and procurement-related offences at IMCCoD and is unrelated to his recent decision to contest for the position of NPP National Communications Director.
The Office said investigations are ongoing and further updates will be provided when necessary.
