Former Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD) Executive Secretary Dennis Edward Aboagye, popularly known as Miracles, has been arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) as part of investigations into the alleged misappropriation and diversion of about GH¢55 million in public funds.
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What happened
In a statement issued on Monday, 13 July, EOCO said Aboagye, together with the former Accountant of IMCCoD, Gerald Appiah, and other unnamed persons, is under investigation over alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities at the Secretariat. The investigation follows a petition by the current Executive Secretary of IMCCoD, who requested further action based on a forensic audit covering the period from 1 August 2022 to 2 February 2025.
The anti-graft agency said its investigation, which began after an initial forensic audit last year, centres on the suspected misappropriation, misapplication, diversion and theft of approximately GH¢55 million in public funds. Readers can also follow our previous coverage of Dennis Aboagye’s arrest and the political reactions surrounding the case.
According to EOCO, Aboagye, Appiah and other suspects are being investigated for several alleged offences, including conspiracy to steal, 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 disclosed that Appiah has voluntarily begun refunding money linked to the alleged offences but stressed that the repayments do not end the investigation or clear any suspect of wrongdoing.
“These recoveries do not, by themselves, conclude the investigative process, neither does it absolve any suspect of any crime,” EOCO said.
EOCO explained that new findings uncovered last week prompted the decision to arrest Aboagye.
The agency said it had placed him on a Stop Order a week earlier to prevent any travel that could interfere with investigations but was unaware that he had already travelled outside Ghana. Immigration officers enforced the Stop Order when he arrived at Kotoka International Airport on Saturday night before handing him over to EOCO on Sunday morning.
Investigators also conducted a search with Aboagye on Sunday, with the operation expected to continue.
Why it matters
The case has attracted significant public attention because of the amount of money involved and the political controversy that followed Aboagye’s arrest.
EOCO said it will grant Aboagye bail in accordance with the Constitution and Ghana’s laws. It also confirmed that Appiah was expected to complete his bail conditions and be released while investigations continue.
The Office insisted it remains committed to conducting the investigation professionally, impartially and within the law while respecting the constitutional rights of everyone involved.
What’s next
The arrest sparked political debate after the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, alleged that Aboagye had initially been denied access to his lawyers following his arrest at Kotoka International Airport.
The NPP called for his immediate release or appearance before a competent court, describing the arrest as politically motivated. Akuapem North MP Sammi Awuku and other opposition figures also criticised the development, arguing that opposition members were increasingly being targeted.
EOCO has rejected those claims, maintaining that Aboagye’s arrest is solely linked to an ongoing criminal investigation into alleged financial and procurement-related offences at IMCCoD. The agency further stated that the case is unrelated to his recent announcement that he intends to contest for the position of National Communications Director of the NPP.
Investigations remain ongoing, with EOCO saying further updates will be provided when appropriate.
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- Police Finally Arrest Convicted Fraudster Who Hid for Seven Years After Eight-year Jail Sentence
- Miracles Aboagye granted GH¢50m bail as lawyer says EOCO conditions are ‘cruel and oppressive’
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