The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has confirmed the arrest of Dennis Miracles Aboagye, a former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralization (IMCCoD), as part of investigations into alleged financial and procurement breaches involving about GH¢55 million.

In a statement released on Monday, EOCO said the case follows a petition submitted by Mr Aboagye’s successor after a forensic audit was conducted on the activities of IMCCoD between August 1, 2022, and February 2, 2025.

The investigative body said the probe is examining allegations of improper use, diversion and possible theft of public resources.

EOCO stated that Mr Aboagye, former IMCCoD Accountant Gerald Appiah, and other persons are being investigated for suspected offences including conspiracy to steal, stealing, abuse of public office for personal gain, causing financial loss to the state, unlawful disposal of public funds, fraudulent conduct and money laundering.

The Office revealed that Mr Appiah has started voluntarily refunding portions of the money allegedly connected to the suspected offences.

However, EOCO emphasised that the repayments do not terminate the investigation and should not be interpreted as clearing any individual of possible criminal wrongdoing.

According to the statement, Mr Aboagye had prior knowledge of the investigation and had previously engaged with EOCO after receiving invitations to assist with the inquiry.

The agency explained that after receiving additional information last week, it issued a Stop Order restricting his travel outside Ghana. However, he had already left the country before the directive was implemented.

EOCO said immigration officials enforced the order when Mr Aboagye arrived at the Kotoka International Airport on Saturday night and subsequently handed him over to the Office on Sunday morning.

“He has since assisted investigators in searches expected to continue today,” EOCO stated.

The anti-corruption agency added that Mr Aboagye will be granted bail in accordance with Ghana’s Constitution and applicable laws.

It also indicated that Mr Appiah is expected to complete his bail conditions and be released as investigations proceed.

EOCO assured the public that the investigation will be conducted with professionalism, fairness and impartiality, while ensuring that the rights of all persons involved are protected under the law.