Lawyers for Dennis Miracles Aboagye say their client has been unable to meet the bail conditions imposed by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) following his arrest at the Kotoka International Airport.
The legal team has raised concerns over the terms of the bail, which include a GH¢50 million bond with three sureties, two of whom must be justified, describing the requirements as extremely difficult to satisfy within the given timeframe.
“How Can This Be Met?” Counsel Questions
Speaking to journalists at EOCO’s headquarters, lead counsel Samuel Atta Akyea questioned the practicality of the conditions.
“How is he going to be released? How is he going to post the bail bonds? GH¢50 million, three sureties, two to be justified. How can it be met? Where are you going to find properties worth GH¢50 million and finding it tonight?” he asked.
Mr. Atta Akyea said the conditions go beyond what is reasonable and risk keeping his client in custody despite the presumption of innocence.
Arrest Linked To Alleged IMCCoD Irregularities
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an aide to the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, was picked up by EOCO upon arrival at the airport.
According to EOCO, the arrest forms part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities involving about GH¢55 million during his tenure as Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD).
He was arrested alongside the Secretariat’s former accountant, Gerald Appiah. Both are assisting with investigations, EOCO officials said.
Legal Team Seeks Review Of Conditions
The lawyers indicated they will be engaging EOCO and the appropriate authorities to seek a review of the bail terms to enable their client to meet them.
They maintained that Mr. Aboagye intends to cooperate fully with the investigation and has denied any wrongdoing.
Background
The IMCCoD was established to coordinate decentralisation policy and programmes across government. EOCO says its investigations are focused on contracts, procurements and disbursements undertaken during the period Mr. Aboagye served as Executive Secretary.
