Security has been tightened at the headquarters of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra following a protest by supporters of former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralization (IMCCoD), Dennis Miracles Aboagye.
The demonstrators gathered outside the EOCO premises to demand his immediate release after his arrest in connection with alleged financial and procurement irregularities involving approximately GH¢55 million in public funds.
Reports from the scene indicate that about 10 military personnel, together with National Security operatives, were deployed to the EOCO headquarters and positioned at strategic points as tensions heightened.
Security officers directed protesters who had assembled along the roadside to move away to ensure the free flow of traffic, while a police water cannon was stationed at the premises as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.
Despite the heightened security presence, the protesters continued to call for Mr Aboagye’s release as his legal team engaged EOCO officials over his detention.
Mr Aboagye was arrested as part of an ongoing EOCO investigation into alleged financial misconduct at the IMCCoD Secretariat.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, EOCO said Mr Aboagye, former IMCCoD Accountant Gerald Appiah and other unnamed individuals are under investigation over the alleged misappropriation, misapplication, diversion and theft of public funds amounting to about GH¢55 million.
According to the anti-graft agency, the investigation was triggered by a petition submitted by the current Executive Secretary of IMCCoD following a forensic audit covering the period between August 1, 2022, and February 2, 2025.
EOCO said the suspects are being investigated for alleged offences including conspiracy to steal, stealing, using public office for personal gain, causing financial loss to the state, dissipation of public funds, defrauding by false pretences and money laundering.
The Office also disclosed that Gerald Appiah has voluntarily begun refunding part of the funds linked to the alleged offences but stressed that the repayments do not end the investigation or absolve any suspect of criminal liability.
Meanwhile, lawyers for Mr Aboagye continue to engage EOCO officials as his supporters maintain their demand for his immediate release
