Gerald Appiah, the former accountant linked to the GH¢55 million IMCCoD scandal, has begun refunding part of the allegedly stolen state money.
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) confirmed that Appiah has voluntarily commenced the repayment process, though the anti-graft agency was quick to clarify that these recoveries do not absolve him or his accomplices of criminality, nor do they signal the conclusion of the case.
Appiah’s decision to return part of the money comes as he faces serious charges alongside the former Executive Secretary of the IMCCoD, Mr Dennis Edward Aboagye, popularly known as “Miracles”.
“EOCO notes that Gerald Appiah has voluntarily begun refunding (returning the Loot) of funds connected to the crimes under investigation. These recoveries do not and by themselves conclude the investigative process neither does it absolve any suspect of any crime.”
The duo, along with other accomplices, are under intense scrutiny for the suspected misappropriation, diversion, and theft of public funds totalling approximately GH¢55 million.
They are facing multiple charges, including conspiracy to steal, causing financial loss to the state, money laundering, defrauding by false pretences, and using public office for profit.
While Appiah has chosen to cooperate by making financial reparations, his co-accused, Mr Aboagye, was apprehended following a high-stakes interception at the Kotoka International Airport.
EOCO had secured a Stop Order against Aboagye last week after uncovering fresh fraudulent activities, unaware that he had already travelled out of the jurisdiction.
He was subsequently intercepted by Ghana Immigration Service officials on Saturday night and handed over to EOCO on Sunday morning.
“Following significant new findings last week relating to suspected fraud and theft involving Mr. Dennis Aboagye, (who is already aware of the investigation and has already visited the office on it), EOCO initiated an operational plan to effect his arrest this week.
As part of this process, Mr. Aboagye was placed on the Stop Order a week ago to prevent any sudden travel that could impede the investigation this week. Unknown to the Office, he had already departed the country.
Upon his arrival at the Kotoka International Airport on Saturday night, officers of the Ghana Immigration Service executed the Stop Order and handed Mr. Aboagye over to EOCO on Sunday morning. He subsequently accompanied investigators on a search on Sunday which is expected to continue today,” the statement added.
The arrests were triggered by an extensive probe initiated by a petition from the current Executive Secretary of the IMCCoD, who requested a deeper interrogation into a forensic audit examining the secretariat’s financial dealings between 1 August 2022 and 2 February 2025.
Mr Aboagye has since been assisting investigators with a series of searches, which are expected to continue.
EOCO has assured the general public that both suspects will be granted bail in strict accordance with the law while investigations into the multi-million cedi scandal continue.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
