The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has revealed that the arrest of former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD), Dennis Miracles Aboagye, is connected to alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities involving about GH¢55 million.
Mr Aboagye, popularly known as “Miracles,” was arrested alongside former accountant of the IMCCoD Secretariat, Gerald Appiah, as part of investigations into suspected misuse and diversion of public funds at the Secretariat.
EOCO said the arrests followed investigations into allegations of misappropriation, misapplication, diversion and theft of state funds, after the office received a petition from the current Executive Secretary of IMCCoD.
The petition requested further investigations into a forensic audit conducted into the Secretariat’s operations covering the period between August 1, 2022, and February 2, 2025.
According to EOCO, Mr Aboagye, Mr Appiah and other persons linked to the matter are being investigated for possible 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 and money laundering.
The anti-graft agency said new findings uncovered last week in relation to alleged fraud and theft allegations informed the decision to arrest Mr Aboagye.
EOCO explained that the former IMCCoD boss was not unaware of the investigation, noting that he had previously visited the office in connection with the matter.
The agency disclosed that a stop order had been placed on Mr Aboagye about a week before his arrest as part of operational arrangements, but he had travelled outside the country before the directive could be executed.
He was subsequently intercepted by officials of the Ghana Immigration Service upon his arrival at the Kotoka International Airport on Saturday, July 11, and handed over to EOCO investigators the following morning.
After his arrest, EOCO said Mr Aboagye assisted investigators during a search operation, which the office indicated was part of the ongoing process.
The agency further stated that Mr Aboagye would be granted bail in accordance with Ghana’s Constitution and relevant legal procedures, while Mr Appiah was expected to be released after completing his bail requirements.
EOCO also revealed that Mr Appiah had begun making voluntary refunds of funds allegedly linked to the offences under investigation.
However, the office cautioned that the recovery of funds does not bring the investigation to an end or clear any individual connected to the case.
“Those recoveries do not and by themselves conclude the investigative process neither does it absolve any suspect of any crime,” EOCO stated.
The agency assured the public that it would continue the investigation in a professional and impartial manner while respecting the rights of all persons involved.
“EOCO remains committed to conducting its investigations professionally, impartially and strictly within the law,” the statement added.
The office said further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.
