The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has confirmed the arrest of former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD), Dennis Edward Aboagye, popularly known as Dennis Miracles Aboagye, over investigations into alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities involving about GH¢55 million.
Mr. Aboagye, who currently serves as spokesperson for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2028 presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, was arrested at the Kotoka International Airport on Saturday night upon his return to Ghana.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, 2026, EOCO said the arrest followed extensive investigations triggered by a petition from the current Executive Secretary of IMCCoD requesting further inquiries into a forensic audit of the Secretariat.
EOCO cites forensic audit findings
According to EOCO, the forensic audit covers the period between August 1, 2022, and February 2, 2025.
The Office said investigators are examining allegations involving the suspected misappropriation, misapplication, diversion and theft of public funds estimated at approximately GH¢55 million.
EOCO stated that Mr Aboagye, together with former IMCCoD Accountant Gerald Appiah and other individuals, is under investigation for alleged offences including:
- Conspiracy to steal
- Stealing
- Using public office for profit
- Causing financial loss to the state
- Dissipation of public funds
- Defrauding by false pretences
- Money laundering
- Other related offences
EOCO stressed that these are allegations under investigation and no court has determined criminal liability.
Former accountant reportedly refunding funds
The Office disclosed that Mr. Appiah has voluntarily begun refunding funds linked to the alleged offences.
However, EOCO said the refunds neither conclude the investigations nor absolve any suspect of potential criminal responsibility.
Stop Order led to airport arrest
EOCO explained that significant new findings emerged last week relating to suspected fraud and theft involving Mr.Aboagye, prompting investigators to activate an operational plan for his arrest.
According to the Office, a Stop Order was placed on Mr Aboagye a week earlier to prevent him from leaving the country while investigations continued.
“As part of this process, Mr Aboagye was placed on a 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,” the statement said.
EOCO said officers of the Ghana Immigration Service enforced the Stop Order when Mr Aboagye arrived at Kotoka International Airport and subsequently handed him over to investigators on Sunday morning.
The Office added that Mr Aboagye later accompanied investigators during a search operation on Sunday, with further searches expected to continue.
EOCO says suspect will be granted bail
EOCO stated that Mr. Aboagye will be granted bail in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of Ghana.
It also said Mr. Appiah is expected to complete his bail conditions before being released while investigations continue.
The statement follows protests by NPP supporters outside EOCO headquarters in Accra on Monday, where they demanded Mr Aboagye’s immediate release.
The NPP had earlier criticised the arrest, claiming it was not informed of the reasons for Mr Aboagye’s detention and alleging that he was initially denied access to his lawyers.
EOCO, however, said it remains committed to conducting the investigation professionally, impartially and in accordance with the law while respecting the constitutional rights of all persons under investigation.
The Office added that it will provide further updates as the investigations progress.
