The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) says Gerald Appiah, the former Accountant of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD), has voluntarily started refunding funds linked to an ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of about GH¢55 million.
According to EOCO, the recoveries form part of investigations into suspected financial and procurement-related irregularities at the IMCCoD Secretariat.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, the anti-graft agency stressed that the refunds do not bring the investigation to an end or absolve any suspect of wrongdoing.
“These recoveries do not by themselves conclude the investigative process, neither do they absolve any suspect of any crime,” EOCO stated.
The Office said the investigation began after it received a petition from the current Executive Secretary of IMCCoD, requesting further investigations into a forensic audit covering the period between August 1, 2022, and February 2, 2025.
EOCO said the probe focuses on the suspected misappropriation, misapplication, diversion and theft of public funds estimated at about GH¢55 million.
Former Executive Secretary of IMCCoD, Dennis Edward Aboagye, popularly known as Miracles, Mr. Appiah and other persons are being investigated over 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 and money laundering.
The agency disclosed that Mr. Aboagye was arrested after investigators uncovered significant new findings relating to suspected fraud and theft.
EOCO said Mr. Aboagye had previously cooperated with investigators and was aware of the ongoing probe. It explained that a stop order was placed on him a week before his arrest to prevent him from leaving the country while investigations continued, but he had already travelled abroad.
Upon his arrival at the Kotoka International Airport on Saturday night, officers of the Ghana Immigration Service executed the stop order and handed him over to EOCO on Sunday morning.
The Office said Mr. Aboagye later accompanied investigators on a search operation, which is continuing as part of the investigation.
EOCO further stated that Mr. Aboagye would be granted bail in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of Ghana, while Mr. Appiah was expected to complete his bail conditions and be released as investigations continue.
The anti-graft agency reaffirmed its commitment to conducting the investigation professionally, impartially and within the confines of the law, adding that it would continue to respect the constitutional rights of all persons under investigation while pursuing the recovery of public funds.
Source: CNR
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