The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has announced the arrest of Mr Dennis Edward Aboagye, also known as “Miracles,” and Mr Gerald Appiah in connection with investigations into the alleged misappropriation of about GH¢55 million at the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD).
In a press statement issued in Accra on Monday, July 13, EOCO said Mr Aboagye, a former Executive Secretary of IMCCoD, and Mr Appiah, the former Accountant of the Secretariat, were arrested following what it described as extensive investigations into alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities at the institution.
According to EOCO, the investigations commenced after the current Executive Secretary of IMCCoD petitioned the Office to investigate activities at the Secretariat covering the period from August 1, 2022, to February 2, 2025.
The anti-graft agency said its investigations, which began last year following an initial forensic audit and the subsequent petition, concern the suspected misappropriation, misapplication, diversion and theft of public funds amounting to approximately GH¢55 million.
EOCO said Mr Aboagye, Mr Appiah and other persons 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 and money laundering, among other alleged offences.
The Office disclosed that Mr Appiah had voluntarily begun refunding monies linked to the investigations, but stressed that such recoveries did not absolve any suspect of potential criminal liability.
EOCO further stated that following what it described as significant new findings last week relating to suspected fraud and theft involving Mr Aboagye, it initiated an operational plan to effect his arrest.
According to the statement, Mr Aboagye had previously been informed of the ongoing investigations and had visited the Office. EOCO said it subsequently placed him on a stop list a week ago to prevent any departure from the country that could impede investigations.
The agency explained that officers of the Ghana Immigration Service intercepted Mr Aboagye upon his arrival at the Kotoka International Airport on Saturday night and handed him over to EOCO on Sunday morning.
EOCO said Mr Aboagye later accompanied investigators on a search operation on Sunday as part of ongoing investigations.
The Office said investigations into the matter are continuing and gave the assurance that further updates would be provided as necessary.
The statement represents EOCO’s account of the case. The allegations against the suspects have not been tested in court, and no determination of guilt has been made.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
