A former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD) has denied allegations of financial and procurement-related irregularities involving approximately GH¢55 million. According to lead counsel Dennis Miracles Aboagye's lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) never questioned Aboagye over the alleged GH¢55m irregularities.
Speaking on Adom FM's Dwaso Nsem show, Mr. Atta Akyea stated that he was present throughout the interrogation and insisted the discussions focused only on procurement procedures and contracts related to priority projects valued at about GH¢5 million. "He was not interrogated concerning the charges contained in EOCO's statement. I was there during the interrogation, and what transpired was about the procurement process and some contracts involving priority projects, which was about GH¢5 million," he said. Atta Akyea argued that the alleged GH¢55 million matter was unrelated to Aboagye's interrogation, adding that investigators did not question Aboagye about any finance director or alleged financial misconduct connected to that amount.
The lawyer accused EOCO of creating a misleading public impression by linking Aboagye to the GH¢55 million allegations. "I think it is just propaganda that is bad, and they put it out for the public," he said. Mr. Atta Akyea also disclosed that investigators informed the defence team that Aboagye would be invited again for further questioning, although it remains unclear whether the subsequent engagement will concern the same issues or different matters. "They said they will let us come back again and discuss any other issue. So whether that is the same issue or a different one, we don't know because I did not even understand them," he added.
The controversy surrounding Aboagye's bail conditions has also drawn attention. Mr. Atta Akyea described the GH¢50 million bail as excessive. "If you don't understand the law, then you bring something outrageous to accuse the person, and then give the person a huge bail. To me, that is bad," he said. Aboagye was released on Tuesday, July 14, after satisfying the bail conditions imposed by EOCO following four days in custody. EOCO has maintained that the former IMCCoD Executive Secretary is under investigation over alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities involving about GH¢55 million during his tenure. The agency has also confirmed the arrest of former IMCCoD accountant Gerald Appiah as investigations continue.
The case is ongoing, with EOCO's investigation into the alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities yet to be completed. The outcome of the investigation, as well as Aboagye's subsequent questioning, will be closely watched by observers and the public alike.
Source: JOY
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