Dennis Miracles Aboagye, a key aide to the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has regained his freedom from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
His release came after he met the GH¢50 million bail conditions imposed on him. According to EOCO, Mr. Aboagye was detained at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra upon his return from a foreign trip.
The agency stated that the arrest forms part of investigations into alleged financial misconduct and procurement violations estimated at GH¢55 million. The claims are said to relate to the period when he served as Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD). He was apprehended alongside Gerald Appiah, who previously worked as the accountant for the IMCCoD Secretariat.
Both individuals are being questioned as part of EOCO’s ongoing examination of the alleged breaches. The anti-crime agency has indicated that inquiries into the suspected financial and procurement irregularities are still underway. EOCO added that further actions will be determined based on findings from the current investigation.
Mr. Aboagye’s release followed complaints from his lawyers regarding what they termed as harsh bail terms handed down after his arrest. Addressing the press outside EOCO’s offices, his lead attorney, Samuel Atta Akyea, raised concerns over the feasibility of the bail requirements.
The conditions demanded a GH¢50 million bond with three sureties, two of whom were required to provide proof of assets. “How is he supposed to be released? How is he expected to meet the bail? GH¢50 million, three sureties and two must be justified. How can that be possible? Where do you get properties valued at GH¢50 million and produce them within hours?” Atta Akyea asked. EOCO has confirmed that Aboagye is currently out on bail, but remains under investigation as the case develops.
