The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has arrested two former officials of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD) as part of investigations into the alleged misuse of about GHC55 million in public funds.
The two are former Executive Secretary Dennis Edward Aboagye, also known as “Miracles,” and former Accountant Gerald Appiah.
What is the case about?
According to EOCO, the investigation started after the current Executive Secretary of IMCCoD asked the agency to look into the findings of a forensic audit. The audit examined the activities of the Secretariat from August 1, 2022, to February 2, 2025.
Investigators suspect that public money was stolen, misused, diverted or spent improperly.
What offences are being investigated?
EOCO says the suspects are being investigated for several alleged offences, including conspiracy to steal, stealing, using public office for personal gain, causing financial loss to the state, misusing public funds, obtaining money by false pretences and money laundering. Other possible offences are also being examined.
It is important to note that these are allegations under investigation. No court has found the suspects guilty.
Why was Dennis Aboagye arrested at the airport?
EOCO said it had planned to arrest Mr. Aboagye after uncovering new information in the investigation. Before the planned arrest, his name was placed on a Stop Order to prevent him from leaving or entering the country without the agency’s knowledge.
However, EOCO later discovered that he had already travelled outside Ghana. When he returned through Kotoka International Airport on Saturday night, officers of the Ghana Immigration Service stopped him and handed him over to EOCO on Sunday morning.
He later accompanied investigators to conduct searches linked to the case.
Has any money been recovered?
EOCO says former Accountant Gerald Appiah has voluntarily started refunding some of the money linked to the investigation.
The agency, however, stressed that returning money does not end the investigation or clear anyone of possible criminal responsibility.
What happens next?
EOCO says both suspects will be granted bail in line with the Constitution and the laws of Ghana while investigations continue. Mr. Appiah is expected to complete his bail conditions before being released.
The anti-corruption agency says it will continue to investigate the case fairly and professionally while respecting the rights of everyone involved. It also promised to provide more updates as the investigation progresses.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com