The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has explained what triggered the arrest of Dennis Miracles Aboagye at the Accra International Airport on Sunday, July 12.
The Office explained in a statement issued on Monday that Mr Miracles Aboagye was arrested in his capacity as the former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralization (IMCCoD) in connection with ongoing investigations into alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities at the Secretariat.
EOCO indicated that the arrest follows extensive investigations that began after it received a petition from the current Executive Secretary of IMCCoD, requesting further probes into a forensic audit conducted into the affairs of the Secretariat covering the period from August 1, 2022 to February 2, 2025.
The investigations, which commenced last year following the initial forensic audit and subsequent petition, relate to suspected misappropriation, misapplication, diversion and theft of public funds amounting to about GH¢55 million.
According to EOCO, Miracles Aboagye together with the former Accountant of IMCCoD, Gerald Appiah, and others are under investigation 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 noted that Gerald Appiah has voluntarily begun refunding funds connected to the alleged crimes under investigation, but stressed that such recoveries do not conclude the investigative process nor absolve any suspect of wrongdoing.
The statement explained that following significant new findings last week relating to suspected fraud and theft involving Aboagye — who EOCO says was already aware of the investigation and had previously visited the office in connection with it — the Office initiated an operational plan to effect his arrest this week.
As part of that process, Miracles Aboagye was placed on a Stop Order a week ago to prevent any sudden travel that could impede the investigation.
According to EOCO, however, the subject had already left the country.
Upon his arrival at the Accra International Airport on Saturday night, officers of the Ghana Immigration Service executed the Stop Order and handed him over to EOCO on Sunday morning.
He subsequently accompanied investigators on a search on Sunday, which EOCO said was expected to continue on Monday.
EOCO confirmed that Miracles Aboagye will be granted bail in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of Ghana.
Similarly, Gerald Appiah is expected to complete his bail conditions today and will be released while investigations continue.
The Office reiterated its commitment to conducting its investigations professionally, impartially and strictly within the law, while respecting the constitutional rights of all persons under investigation as it pursues its mandate to investigate economic and organised crime and recover public assets.