The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) under the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) has arrested Dennis Miracles Aboagye at Accra International Airport (AIA) over charges yet to be disclosed.
The spokesperson for the 2024 presidential campaign of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia was yesterday arrested in a Rambo-style at the airport just hours after he received overwhelming support on social media for his bid to become the National Communications Director of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Consequently, the NPP has called for the immediate release Miracles, who has been a thorn in the flesh of the governing NDC, strongly exposing the numerous failures of the Mahama government, including failed promises to Ghanaian cocoa farmers.
Many political watchers, believe Miracles’ arrest, is part of the wanton persecution of vocal NPP members who are strongly holding the government to the democratic tenets of accountability.
A statement issued by NPP’s General Secretary, Mr. Justin Kodua Frimpong, indicated that the EOCO officers, assisted by immigration officials, arrested Miracles and took him into custody after his arrival from abroad.
It noted that since the arrest, his lawyers have been denied access to him, his whereabouts have not been disclosed, and no formal charges have been filed.
The NPP described the incident as an act of intimidation rather than legitimate law enforcement.
The party noted that Miracles has been one of the government’s outspoken critics, raising concerns over illegal mining popularly referred to as galamsey, increases in electricity and water tariffs, questioning the administration’s performance, and just announcing his intention to contest for a leadership position within the NPP.
According to the statement, the timing of the arrest has heightened concerns that the action may have been politically motivated.
The NPP has therefore issued three key demands to EOCO and the government:
That Dennis Miracles Aboagye be released immediately or, if there is evidence of wrongdoing, be formally charged and brought before a court of competent jurisdiction in accordance with the 1992 Constitution.
That he be granted unrestricted access to his lawyers and family without further delay, citing Article 14(2) of the Constitution, which guarantees the rights of persons in detention.
That the government halt what the party described as a pattern of politically motivated invitations, arrests and detentions targeting members of the New Patriotic Party.
The statement further cautioned against the use of state institutions for partisan purposes, stressing that public institutions must operate independently and within the confines of the law.
“Ghanaians are watching, and Ghana’s institutions will outlive this government,” the statement said.
The NPP also appealed to its supporters to remain calm, law-abiding and united while the matter is addressed through the appropriate legal processes.
The statement concluded by insisting that political intimidation would not silence the party, reaffirming its commitment to defending the constitutional rights of its members.
