‘There was no discussion of GH¢55m’ – Miracles after EOCO release

Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an aide to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has denied reports linking his interrogation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to the alleged misappropriation of GH¢55 million, insisting that investigators never questioned him about the amount during his four-day detention.

The former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD) made the remarks shortly after regaining his freedom on Tuesday, July 14, after satisfying bail conditions set at GH¢50 million.

In a statement following his release, Aboagye categorically rejected suggestions that EOCO questioned him over the alleged financial irregularities.

For the records: There was no discussion of any GH¢55 million with me by EOCO. None!!!” he stated.

Reflecting on his detention, Aboagye described the experience as an unsuccessful attempt to intimidate him, insisting that it had instead strengthened his determination to continue serving the NPP.

He noted that his arrest came barely a day after he publicly declared his intention to contest for the position of National Communications Director of the party, suggesting that efforts to tarnish his reputation would ultimately fail.

According to him, despite what he characterised as a "false narrative" surrounding his arrest, the truth would eventually emerge.

"I am out. I am unbroken. And I am more ready than ever," he declared.

He further expressed gratitude to the NPP leadership, party supporters, family members and his legal team for standing by him throughout his detention, describing the overwhelming support as a source of encouragement.

Aboagye reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the party's communication strategy and said he would not be deterred by what he believes are attempts to intimidate opposition figures.

Despite Aboagye's assertions, the Economic and Organised Crime Office has maintained that his arrest forms part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities involving approximately GH¢55 million during his tenure as Executive Secretary of the IMCCoD.

EOCO has stated that the investigations stem from a forensic audit into the operations of the IMCCoD Secretariat covering the period between August 2022 and February 2025.

The anti-graft agency is investigating suspected offences including conspiracy to steal, stealing, causing financial loss to the state, using public office for profit, dissipation of public funds, defrauding by false pretences and money laundering.

EOCO has also confirmed that Gerald Appiah, the former accountant of the IMCCoD, was arrested alongside Aboagye as part of the investigations.

Earlier this week, the agency disclosed that Appiah had voluntarily begun refunding funds allegedly linked to the ongoing investigation, while stressing that the repayments neither conclude the investigation nor absolve any suspect of criminal liability.

Aboagye was arrested on Sunday, July 12, immediately after arriving at the Accra International Airport, where immigration officials reportedly handed him over to EOCO officers.

His detention sparked protests from sections of the NPP, with senior party officials and supporters describing the arrest as politically motivated and demanding either his immediate release or formal prosecution if sufficient evidence existed.

The NPP also organised a demonstration to EOCO's headquarters to protest the arrest and called on the anti-corruption agency to ensure transparency in its investigations.

EOCO, however, insists that the investigations remain active and that due process will be followed as the probe continues.