Private legal practitioner Austin Brako Powers has clarified that the court’s decision to freeze the bank accounts and properties of NPP communicator Dennis Miracles Aboagye should not be interpreted as proof that he has committed any crime.
According to the lawyer, the freezing order is a legal measure designed to preserve assets while investigations are ongoing and does not amount to a finding of guilt.
His remarks follow an Accra High Court order freezing five bank accounts and four landed properties linked to Miracles Aboagye as part of an ongoing investigation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) into alleged financial and procurement-related irregularities involving approximately GH¢55 million.
The order prohibits any transactions on the affected bank accounts and also bars the sale, transfer or disposal of the listed properties until investigations are concluded.
Speaking in an interview with Class News, Austin Brako Powers explained that the order simply indicates that Miracles Aboagye is under investigation for alleged offences and should not be viewed as evidence that he has broken the law.
“It is not an indication that he has committed any crime but it is an indication that he’s being investigated for the possible commission of some crimes against the Republic,” he said.
He further explained that agencies such as EOCO are empowered by law to seek court approval to freeze assets where they believe they may be linked to suspected criminal activity. Such orders, he noted, are intended to preserve evidence and prevent the disposal of assets while investigations continue.
The lawyer also pointed out that Miracles Aboagye has the legal right to challenge the order before the High Court by applying for it to be varied or set aside.
According to him, the affected person must present evidence to convince the court that the frozen assets are not connected to the ongoing investigation.
“You must be able to prove certain things, the basis of which the High Court may look upon it and rule in your favour,” he explained.
Austin Brako Powers added that preservation orders are common legal tools used during investigations and are meant to safeguard the integrity of the process rather than punish suspects before any charges are proven.
He said the outcome of EOCO’s investigations will determine the next course of action, after which the Attorney General will decide whether the available evidence is sufficient to initiate criminal prosecution against Miracles Aboagye.
