The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has arrested the former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD), Mr Dennis Edward Aboagye, popularly known as “Miracles”, and the committee’s former accountant, Mr Gerald Appiah.
The duo, alongside other accomplices, are being investigated for the suspected misappropriation, diversion, and theft of public funds totalling approximately GH¢55 million.
According to an official press statement released by EOCO, the arrests follow an extensive probe triggered by a petition from the current Executive Secretary of the IMCCoD.
The petition requested further interrogation into a forensic audit that examined the secretariat’s financial dealings between 1 August 2022 and 2 February 2025.
The suspects face multiple charges, including conspiracy to steal, causing financial loss to the state, money laundering, defrauding by false pretences, and using public office for profit.
EOCO disclosed that Mr Appiah has voluntarily commenced the process of refunding part of the funds connected to the crimes.
However, the anti-graft agency clarified that these recoveries do not conclude the investigation or absolve any of the suspects of criminality.
“EOCO notes that Gerald Appiah has voluntarily begun refunding (returning the Loot) of funds connected to the crimes under investigation. These recoveries do not and by themselves conclude the investigative process neither does it absolve any suspect of any crime.”
The arrest of Mr Aboagye unfolded with some drama after EOCO secured a Stop Order against him last week following new fraudulent discoveries.
Unbeknownst to investigators, the former Executive Secretary had already travelled out of the jurisdiction.
He was subsequently intercepted on Saturday night at the Kotoka International Airport by Ghana Immigration Service officials and handed over to EOCO on Sunday morning.
Mr Aboagye has since assisted investigators in a series of searches, which are expected to continue.
“Following significant new findings last week relating to suspected fraud and theft involving Mr. Dennis Aboagye, (who is already aware of the investigation and has already visited the office on it), EOCO initiated an operational plan to effect his arrest this week. As part of this process, Mr. Aboagye was placed on the Stop Order a week ago to prevent any sudden travel that could impede the investigation this week. Unknown to the Office, he had already departed the country.”
EOCO has assured the public that both suspects will be granted bail in strict accordance with the law while investigations into the multi-million cedi scandal continue.
“EOCO remains committed to conducting its investigations professionally, impartially and strictly within the law. The Office will continue to respect the constitutional rights of all persons under investigation while pursuing its mandate to investigate economic and organised crime and recover public assets. The public is assured that further updates will be provided as and when appropriate.”
