EOCO details GHC55m fraud allegations against Dennis Miracles Aboagye; former accountant already refunding loot

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has shed light on the arrest of former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD), Dennis Edward Aboagye, popularly known as Miracles, revealing that he is at the center of a sweeping investigation into the alleged misappropriation and diversion of approximately GH¢55 million in public funds.

In a detailed press statement issued on Monday, EOCO confirmed that Mr. Aboagye, alongside the former Accountant of IMCCoD, Gerald Appiah, and other unnamed individuals, are being probed over “suspected misappropriation, misapplication, diversion and theft of public funds” linked to a forensic audit covering the period from 1 August 2022 to 2 February 2025.

The anti-graft agency disclosed that the investigation was triggered by a formal petition from the current Executive Secretary of IMCCoD, requesting a deeper examination of the forensic audit findings. The probe, which technically began last year following the initial audit, has since uncovered a web of suspected financial and procurement-related irregularities at the Secretariat.

Offences and Charges

EOCO listed a host of suspected offences for which Mr. Aboagye, Mr. Appiah, and the other parties are being investigated. These include conspiracy to steal, stealing, using public office for profit, causing financial loss to the State, dissipation of public funds, defrauding by false pretences, and money laundering. The agency indicated that the scale of the alleged fraud involved complex procurement manipulations and unauthorized disbursements, though specific details of the transactions were withheld pending further forensic analysis.

Former Accountant Voluntarily Refunding Funds

In a significant development, EOCO revealed that Mr. Appiah has voluntarily begun refunding monies linked to the alleged crimes. “EOCO notes that Gerald Appiah has voluntarily begun refunding (returning the loot) of funds connected to the crimes under investigation,” the statement read. The agency, however, cautioned that these recoveries “do not, by themselves, conclude the investigative process, neither does it absolve any suspect of any crime,” signaling that the refunds are being treated as an evidentiary development rather than a resolution.

The Arrest Sequence

Explaining the timeline leading to Mr. Aboagye’s detention, EOCO said investigators uncovered “significant new findings” last week relating to suspected fraud and theft involving the former Executive Secretary. This prompted the agency to initiate an operational plan for his arrest this week.

As a preventive measure, EOCO had placed Mr. Aboagye on a Stop Order a week earlier to restrict his travel. However, the agency was unaware that he had already left Ghana prior to the order’s execution. The Ghana Immigration Service successfully executed the Stop Order upon his return to the Kotoka International Airport on Saturday night, immediately handing him over to EOCO operatives on Sunday morning.

Following his handover, Mr. Aboagye accompanied investigators on a search operation on Sunday, with the exercise expected to continue as the agency secures further documentary and digital evidence.

Bail and Legal Rights

Addressing concerns over the suspect’s treatment, EOCO assured the public that the constitutional rights of all parties would be respected. The office confirmed that Mr. Aboagye will be granted bail in accordance with Ghana’s laws and Constitution. Similarly, Mr. Gerald Appiah is expected to finalize his bail conditions today and will be released pending the continuation of investigations.

Political Backlash and EOCO’s Clarification

The arrest quickly ignited a political firestorm over the weekend, with the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, alleging in a Facebook post that Mr. Aboagye was initially denied access to his legal counsel upon arrest. The NPP demanded his immediate release or arraignment before a competent court, describing the detention as politically motivated.

Other prominent opposition figures, including Akuapem North Member of Parliament Sammi Awuku, joined the criticism, arguing that opposition voices were facing increasing intimidation.

In response, EOCO categorically dismissed claims of political interference. The agency maintained that the arrest is strictly a criminal matter arising from the IMCCoD financial audit and has no bearing on Mr. Aboagye’s recent declaration of intent to contest for the position of National Communications Director of the NPP.

Commitment to Impartiality

Reaffirming its mandate, EOCO stated it remains committed to conducting the investigations “professionally, impartially and strictly within the law,” while upholding the constitutional rights of all suspects. The agency vowed to provide further updates as the probe progresses, emphasizing that it is focused on recovering public assets and ensuring accountability, regardless of political affiliation.

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