The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has confirmed the arrest of former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD), Dennis Edward Aboagye, popularly known as Miracles, as investigations intensify into the alleged misappropriation of about GH¢55 million in public funds.
The anti-graft agency said Mr. Aboagye was arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged financial and procurement irregularities at the Secretariat following a forensic audit and a petition submitted by the current Executive Secretary.
The investigation covers activities at IMCCoD between August 1, 2022 and February 2, 2025.
EOCO details alleged offences
In a press statement issued on Monday, EOCO said Mr. Aboagye, former Accountant Gerald Appiah and others are under investigation for a number of suspected offences.
These include conspiracy to steal and stealing, using public office for profit, causing financial loss to the state, dissipation of public funds, defrauding by false pretences and money laundering.
The Office also disclosed that fresh developments uncovered last week led investigators to initiate an operational plan 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.
According to EOCO, a stop order had already been placed on Mr. Aboagye a week earlier to prevent any travel that could interfere with the investigation. However, investigators later realised he had already travelled outside Ghana before the restriction was enforced.
Arrest executed at Kotoka Airport
EOCO explained that officers of the Ghana Immigration Service intercepted Mr. Aboagye upon his arrival at the Kotoka International Airport on Saturday night.
He was subsequently handed over to EOCO on Sunday morning.
The agency further revealed that the former IMCCoD Executive Secretary later accompanied investigators during a search operation on Sunday, adding that the exercise was expected to continue.
The statement also sought to address earlier public concerns over the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
It noted that Mr. Aboagye was already aware of the investigation and had previously visited EOCO as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Gerald Appiah begins refund process
EOCO also provided an update on another suspect in the case, former IMCCoD Accountant Gerald Appiah.
According to the Office, Mr. Appiah has voluntarily begun refunding funds allegedly linked to offences under investigation.
"Gerald Appiah has voluntarily begun refunding (returning the loot) of funds connected to the crimes under investigation," EOCO stated.
The agency was quick to caution that the recovery of money does not amount to an acquittal.
It stressed that the refunds neither conclude the investigation nor absolve any suspect of potential criminal responsibility.
Bail to be granted as investigations continue
EOCO said both suspects will be processed in accordance with Ghanaian law.
It confirmed that Mr. Aboagye will be granted bail in line with the Constitution, while Mr. Appiah is also expected to satisfy his bail conditions before being released pending further investigations.
The Office maintained that its work would remain professional and impartial.
"EOCO remains committed to conducting its investigations professionally, impartially and strictly within the law," the statement said.
It added that it would continue respecting the constitutional rights of all persons under investigation while pursuing its mandate to investigate economic and organised crime and recover public assets.
EOCO assured the public that further updates on the high-profile investigation would be provided as developments unfold.
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