Court Sets August 31 To Rule On Cecilia Dapaah’s Assets Amid Corruption Probe

An Accra High Court has set August 31 to deliver a verdict to determine whether the former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah’s assets will remain frozen.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) had taken steps to freeze the bank accounts and funds of Mrs Dapaah, encompassing both local and foreign currencies, under the provisions of section 38 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959).

This precautionary measure was taken pending a comprehensive investigation into allegations of corruption and corruption-related offences.

The OSP’s decision to freeze the accounts followed a directive issued to two banks, instructing them to suspend Mrs Dapaah’s access to her accounts and investments until the order is officially revoked.

During their investigation, the Special Prosecutor discovered substantial funds at Mrs Dapaah’s residence.

On July 24, 2023, a search operation yielded over US$590,000 and GH¢2.730,000 in local currency.

The investigation by the OSP was triggered by accusations made against Mrs Dapaah’s domestic staff, who were alleged to have stolen a significant sum, including over $1 million, €300,000, several million cedis, and personal belongings from Mrs Dapaah and her spouse.

The resultant public outcry led to Mrs Dapaah’s resignation from her ministerial position.

Subsequently, she was apprehended by the OSP; however, she was later granted bail.