The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has explained the arrest of former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD), Dennis Edward Aboagye, popularly known as Miracles, saying he is under investigation over the alleged misappropriation and diversion of approximately GH¢55 million in public funds.
In a press statement issued on Monday, 13 July, EOCO said Mr Aboagye, together with the former Accountant of IMCCoD, Gerald Appiah, and other unnamed persons, are being investigated in connection with alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities at the Secretariat.
According to EOCO the investigations followed a petition submitted by the current Executive Secretary of IMCCoD requesting further investigations into a forensic audit covering the period between 1 August 2022 and 2 February 2025.
EOCO said the investigations, which began last year after an initial forensic audit, concern the "suspected misappropriation, misapplication, diversion and theft of public funds amounting to about GH¢55 million."
The Office said Mr Aboagye, Mr Appiah and others are being investigated for several 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 suspected offences.
EOCO further disclosed that Mr Appiah has voluntarily begun refunding funds linked to the alleged offences.
"EOCO notes that Gerald Appiah has voluntarily begun refunding (returning the loot) of funds connected to the crimes under investigation. These recoveries do not, by themselves, conclude the investigative process, neither does it absolve any suspect of any crime," the statement said.
The Office explained that recent developments in the investigations prompted it to move ahead with Mr Aboagye's arrest.
"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," it stated.
EOCO said it had placed Mr Aboagye on a Stop Order a week earlier to prevent any travel that could impede the investigations, but was unaware that he had already travelled outside Ghana.