The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has explained that former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCOD), Dennis Edward Aboagye, is being investigated over the alleged misappropriation of about GH¢55 million in public funds.
The anti-graft agency issued the clarification in a statement on Monday, saying the investigation follows a petition from the current Executive Secretary of IMCCOD, who requested further investigations into a forensic audit covering the period from August 1, 2022, to February 2, 2025.
According to EOCO, the investigations “concern the suspected misappropriation, misapplication, diversion and theft of public funds amounting to about GH¢55 million.”
It said Mr. Aboagye, popularly known as “Miracles”, the former Accountant of IMCCOD, Gerald Appiah, and other unnamed persons are being investigated over alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities at the Secretariat.
The suspects are facing investigations for a number of alleged 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.
EOCO also revealed that Mr. Appiah has begun returning some of the money believed to be linked to the alleged offences.
“EOCO notes that Gerald Appiah has voluntarily begun refunding (returning the loot) of funds connected to the crimes under investigation,” the statement said.
However, it stressed that the repayments do not bring the investigation to an end or clear any suspect of criminal liability.
“These recoveries do not by themselves conclude the investigative process neither does it absolve any suspect of any crime,” EOCO added.
The Office further disclosed that investigators made “significant new findings” last week relating to suspected fraud and theft involving Mr. Aboagye, prompting plans to effect his arrest.
It explained that a Stop Order had been placed on him to prevent any travel that could interfere with the investigation, but he had already left the country before the directive took effect.
EOCO said the former IMCCOD Executive Secretary later accompanied investigators on a search operation after he was intercepted on his return to Ghana.
The Office maintained that the investigation would be conducted in accordance with the law and the constitutional rights of all persons involved.
“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,” it said.
EOCO added that further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
