A group of five concerned individuals led by Bernard Mornah Anbataayela have petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate Cecilia Dapaah, the former Minister of Sanitation in Ghana, over allegations of acquiring assets far exceeding her known income.
The petitioners—Mensah Thompson, Al-Hassan Kwadwo Baidoo, Bernard Anbataayela Mornah, Ransford Antwi, and Joyce Atitso—are advocating for a comprehensive probe into Dapaah’s financial activities.
The petitioners emphasize the need for a thorough examination of Dapaah’s finances to address public concerns about potential corruption and misuse of public office. They argue that such an investigation is crucial for maintaining trust in public institutions and ensuring accountability among public officials.
Origins of Controversy Involving Cecilia Dapaah
The controversy surrounding Cecilia Dapaah erupted following a significant theft at her residence, which led to her resignation in July 2023. The stolen items included a staggering $1 million, €300,000, GH¢350,000, luxury handbags valued at $35,000, and jewelry worth $95,000. These revelations sparked widespread public outrage, especially given Ghana’s ongoing economic challenges and the depreciating value of the Cedi.
The disclosure of such vast sums of money and high-value items amidst Ghana’s economic difficulties fueled public anger and raised serious questions about the sources of Dapaah’s wealth. The situation underscored the need for transparency and the importance of addressing corruption at all levels of government.
Legal Proceedings and Investigations in Cecilia Dapaah ‘s Case
After her resignation, Cecilia Dapaah was arrested by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), which found over GH¢48 million in her bank accounts. The investigation, conducted with the involvement of the FBI, spanned nearly seven months. However, the OSP eventually dropped the charges due to insufficient evidence and handed the case over to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
EOCO, upon reviewing the case, also found a lack of conclusive evidence and returned the docket to the OSP. This back-and-forth highlighted the complexities and challenges of building a robust legal case in such high-profile matters, further emphasizing the need for meticulous financial scrutiny.
On May 20, the petitioners renewed their call for CHRAJ to investigate Dapaah’s assets, which reportedly include $1,390,000, €300,000, GH₵3,212,007, and various bank accounts in both cedis and dollars. They believe that a thorough and transparent investigation by CHRAJ is essential to resolve lingering doubts and restore public confidence in the integrity of public officials.
