The Editor of the Herald newspaper, Larry Dogbe, has called on the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to exercise greater caution and professionalism in the way it conducts high-profile investigations, arguing that the manner in which suspects are arrested can have significant implications for public confidence in the country’s anti-corruption efforts.
His comments come in the wake of the arrest of former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD), Dennis Miracles Aboagye, who is under investigation over alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities involving approximately GH¢55 million.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, July 18, Dogbe maintained that while corruption allegations must be thoroughly investigated and offenders held accountable where evidence exists, law enforcement agencies should avoid actions that create unnecessary public spectacle and political tension.
He said the timing and manner of Aboagye’s arrest generated avoidable controversy, particularly because it coincided with the former government official’s announcement of his intention to contest for the New Patriotic Party’s National Communications Director position.
Larry argued that the situation quickly escalated into a politically charged event, drawing party supporters and colleagues to the scene and shifting public attention away from the substance of the investigation.
“That whole arrest coinciding with his announcement to run for the NPP’s Communications Director position created too much tension and the people storming that place. His colleagues in the party as well went there to stage a protest.
“I think that we should be tidy in our approach in doing some of these things, particularly when we are mindful of fighting corruption, except we are doing it for the showmanship.
Dogbe further suggested that investigators should prioritise discreet and methodical interrogations, especially in cases where suspects are willing to cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
“If we are really interested in fighting corruption and addressing infractions of the law, we should be able to invite people to have a quiet interrogation. We don’t get to the bottom of the crime with this back and forth and we fail to address crimes.”
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