The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has openly disagreed with the recent order from the Accra High Court, instructing them to return seized funds belonging to Cecilia Dapaah, the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources.
On Thursday, August 31, the Accra High Court handed down a verdict mandating the OSP to return Cecilia Dapaah’s money within seven days and reverse its decision to freeze her Dollar and Cedi accounts, which was initially imposed on August 9.
However, in response to the court’s decision, the OSP expressed its respect for the directive while maintaining its strong disagreement with the ruling, citing a perceived error in the court’s computation of time limitations.
“The OSP respects the Court’s decision but disagrees with it,” the statement read. “First, the OSP believes that the Court’s computation of the time limitation is, with respect, erroneous. The OSP searched three (3) private residences associated with Ms. Dapaah over the course of two (2) weeks. The searches and discovery were ongoing during that period. There is little doubt that the OSP filed its application within the statutory window once the search and discovery window is considered.”
The OSP also clarified that its initial decision to freeze Cecilia Dapaah’s accounts was not influenced by public sentiment, as had been suggested.
“The freezing order was not based on public sentiments. Rather, it was based on court processes filed in a criminal matter before the Circuit Court, Accra, involving Ms. Dapaah as the complainant,” the statement asserted.
“Further, the freezing order was effected to aid the investigation, as required by law, not on the basis of the investigation, as indicated by the Court. Therefore, it cannot be said that the OSP did not carry out proper investigations to warrant the freezing order. The investigation has only commenced, and it is ongoing.”
The OSP is currently conducting a comprehensive investigation into alleged corruption and corruption-related offences. This investigation was initiated following the revelation that she had more than $1 million in her possession at her residence.