The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in Ghana is continuing to hold onto money seized from former Sanitation and Water Resources Minister, Cecilia Dapaah, despite a recent court order instructing its return. The Accra High Court had directed the OSP to return the money and unfreeze Dapaah’s bank accounts.
However, the OSP has invoked its powers to retain custody of the money, citing ongoing investigations and a belief that the funds may be tainted. This means that Cecilia Dapaah will not have access to the seized money or her frozen bank accounts for the time being.
The OSP has also taken the step of freezing Cecilia Dapaah’s bank accounts once again. In a statement, it explained, “The Special Prosecutor considers that freezing the bank accounts and investments of Ms. Dapaah is necessary to facilitate the ongoing investigation.”
The saga involving Cecilia Dapaah began when her domestic helpers were taken to court in July 2023 for allegedly stealing a significant amount of money and personal effects from her and her husband. This incident led to public outrage, and Dapaah subsequently resigned from her position as Minister of Sanitation.
Officials from the Office of the Special Prosecutor conducted a search of Dapaah’s home and found substantial sums of money, including US$590,000 and GHC2.730,000 in cash. The OSP seized this money as part of its investigation and also froze seven of Dapaah’s bank accounts.
Despite the court’s order for the return of the seized funds, the OSP’s decision to retain custody underscores its determination to thoroughly investigate the matter and determine whether the money in question is connected to any criminal activity.
The case remains ongoing, and further developments are expected as the investigation continues.