The Deputy Spokesperson for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr Ekua Amoakoh, has questioned claims made by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) following the arrest of New Patriotic Party (NPP) communications team member Dennis Miracles Aboagye. She argued that allegations surrounding the case required careful examination after the agency issued a statement containing claims she said did not correspond with events during questioning.
Dr Amoakoh explained that Miracles Aboagye was arrested at the airport by EOCO officers with support from immigration officials while returning to Ghana. She added that his family and the party only became aware of his location several days later when efforts to trace him led them to the investigative office.
According to her, the statement released by EOCO after public pressure created further questions about the basis of the allegations against the NPP figure. The Deputy Spokesperson argued that the details presented in the statement did not match the issues discussed during the interaction between the investigators and Aboagye.
Dr Amoakoh further disputed the claim that Mr Aboagye was being investigated over GH₵55 million, stating that the financial capacity of the Inter Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCC) did not support such an allegation. She explained that the organisation operated within limited financial resources and had continued running programmes while meeting its staff obligations during Miracles Aboagye’s tenure.
The Deputy Spokesperson also said the seven issues listed in EOCO’s statement were not raised during the questioning process. She therefore questioned the basis for the figures and accusations presented.
Furthermore, Dr Amoakoh criticised the release of images from a search conducted at Mr Aboagye’s residence in Larteh. She argued that investigative procedures must protect the rights of individuals until a court determines the outcome of a case.
“IMCC did not even have enough money for someone to take GH₵55 million and still be able to pay staff. Under Dennis’ management, they were finally paying staff and running programmes.”
Dr Ekua Amoakoh
The Deputy Spokesperson said the handling of the matter has raised important questions about the conduct of state institutions during investigations. She urged authorities to ensure that criminal investigations followed due process and respected the dignity of individuals involved.
Bail Conditions Spark Debate Over Legal Process And Accountability
Dr Ekua Amoakoh also questioned the connection between the case involving Dennis Miracles Aboagye and the separate matter involving a former accountant of the IMCC, Gerald Appiah. She argued that the two issues were unrelated and should not have been presented together in discussions surrounding the investigation.
Dr Amoakoh stated that the matter involving Mr Appiah emerged from an audit process that identified accounting irregularities within the organisation. She explained that the report placed the amount involved at about GH₵500,000, with a remaining balance of approximately GH₵79,000 after payments was made.
The Deputy Spokesperson said Miracles Aboagye was never questioned about the accountant’s case during the investigation. She added that documents from the audit process showed a distinction between the two matters and questioned how the GH₵55 million figure became linked to the allegations.
According to her, investigations should be based on verified information before public statements are issued by state agencies. She argued that releasing accusations before establishing the facts could affect the reputation of individuals involved.
“Where did they get this GH₵55 million from? How do you arrest somebody and don’t question him on these things, yet you issue a press release? The bail condition is very draconian. Bail is not meant to be punitive in this country.”
Dr Ekua Amoakoh
Additionally, Dr Amoakoh addressed the bail conditions granted to Mr Aboagye after his arrest. She said the amount attached to the bail arrangement raised questions about whether the process was being used as a form of punishment.
The Deputy Spokesperson explained that bail is intended to ensure a person remains available for investigations and court proceedings. She argued that the conditions should consider factors such as the individual’s ability to appear before authorities and whether there is a risk of absconding.
Moreover, Dr Amoakoh cited Mr Aboagye’s public profile as a reason she believed he would remain accessible to investigators. She noted that his frequent media engagements made it easy for authorities to locate him whenever required.
She also referenced preregarding public allegations made against other individuals and called for consistency in the handling of investigations. The Deputy Spokesperson said Miracles Aboagye previously raised national issues through public discussions, including matters involving cocoa farmers and illegal mining.
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