The former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD), Dennis Edward Aboagye, also known as "Miracles", has been admitted to bail in the sum of GH¢50 million with three sureties, two to be justified.
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) had arrested him in connection with investigations into the alleged misappropriation of about GH¢55 million at the Secretariat.
The arrest, according to EOCO, followed months of investigations into alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities at the Secretariat and also involves the former Accountant of IMCCoD, Gerald Appiah, who is under investigation over the same matter.
A statement issued by EOCO dated July 13 said the investigations stemmed from a petition submitted by the current Executive Secretary of IMCCoD requesting further investigations into a forensic audit covering the period between August 1, 2022, and February 2, 2025.
It said the investigations, which commenced last year after an initial forensic audit, centred on the suspected misappropriation, misapplication, diversion and theft of public funds amounting to about GH¢55 million.
Alleged offences
EOCO said Mr Aboagye, Mr Appiah and other persons were being investigated for conspiracy to steal, 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.
According to the statement, Mr Appiah has voluntarily begun refunding some of the funds connected to the alleged offences. It, however, said the recoveries did not conclude the investigations or absolve any suspect of criminal liability.
Arrest
EOCO explained that following fresh findings last week relating to the alleged fraud and theft, it activated an operational plan to arrest Mr Aboagye. It said a stop order had been placed on him a week earlier to prevent any travel that could affect the investigations.
The Office, however, said unknown to investigators, Mr Aboagye had already travelled outside the country before the order was effected. It said upon his arrival at the Kotoka International Airport on Saturday night, officers of the Ghana Immigration Service executed the stop order and handed him over to EOCO on Sunday morning.
The statement added that Mr Aboagye subsequently accompanied investigators on a search operation on Sunday, with the exercise expected to continue.
Bail unmet
EOCO said Mr Aboagye would be granted bail in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of Ghana. It also said Mr Appiah was expected to complete his bail conditions yesterday to secure his release while investigations continued. However, his lawyers say he has been unable to meet the 'difficult' bail conditions and remains in custody as of this morning.
Assurance
The Office assured the public that it would continue to conduct the investigations professionally, impartially and within the law while respecting the constitutional rights of all persons under investigation. It added that further updates on the case would be provided as and when appropriate.
