Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) confirmed Dennis Miracles Aboagye had already left Ghana when an order to stop him from travelling was issued. The stop order aimed to prevent his departure while investigations into alleged financial and procurement irregularities were ongoing. Mr. Aboagye, the spokesperson for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2028 presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, was arrested upon his return on Saturday night at Kotoka International Airport.
EOCO stated in a Monday, July 13, 2026, statement that new information about suspected fraud and theft led to the stop order. These allegations relate to his tenure as Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD). The Office placed Mr. Aboagye on the stop order a week prior to prevent any sudden travel that could hinder the investigation. However, he had already departed the country without EOCO's knowledge.
This case is part of a broader national effort to tackle corruption and financial malfeasance in public office. Allegations of misappropriation and theft of public funds frequently surface, impacting public trust and national development priorities. The current investigation involves GHS 55 million, a significant sum. This amount highlights the potential financial damage of such irregularities on Ghana's public finances and economic stability.
EOCO said, “As part of this process, Mr Aboagye was placed on the Stop Order a week ago. This was to prevent any sudden travel that could impede the investigation this week. Unknown to the Office, he had already departed the country.” This statement clarifies the sequence of events. Officers from the Ghana Immigration Service executed the stop order when Mr. Aboagye returned. They handed him over to EOCO on Sunday morning. Mr. Aboagye has since accompanied investigators on a search operation, complying with the ongoing probe.
The investigation will continue to scrutinize the alleged GHS 55 million in public funds. This amount was supposedly misappropriated, misapplied, diverted, and stolen while Mr. Aboagye served at IMCCoD. The Economic and Organised Crime Office expects to grant Mr. Aboagye bail. This action will align with constitutional rights and applicable laws. The outcome of this investigation could influence public perception of accountability in upcoming political campaigns. It also serves as a strong reminder for public officials regarding financial oversight.
Former IMCCoD Accountant Gerald Appiah and others are also under investigation. EOCO disclosed Mr. Appiah has begun refunding funds linked to the allegations. The Office clarified that these recoveries do not conclude the investigation. They also do not clear any suspect of wrongdoing. The Office assures the public of a professional and impartial investigation. Updates will be provided as the probe progresses. This highlights EOCO's commitment to due process.