The commitment of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to refrain from interfering with the ongoing investigations concerning Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, has been underlined.
Speaking on Thursday at the opening of Ghana’s National Anti-Corruption Action Plan evaluation, President Akufo-Addo said that the executive branch does not interfere with investigations into his appointees because there is insufficient evidence or accusations to support a different conclusion.
In particular, the President brought up the matter of former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources Cecilia Abena Dapaah, stressing the openness of the inquiry and saying, “No evidence or allegation has been forthcoming that the executive has made any attempt to influence the outcome of these investigations. The latest episode involving the former Minister for Sanitation, the Honourable Cecilia Abena Dapaah, is evident for all to see.
“I am not aware of any government in the Fourth Republic subjecting so many of its officials to such investigations and enquiries.”
The President brought up previous incidents during the Mahama administration in a comparative manner.
“At the same time, several officials in the previous Mahama administration such as William Matthew Tetteh Tevi, Alhaji Salifu Osman, and Eugene Baffour Bonney in the $ 4 million NCA’s scandal have been tried and convicted of various corruption-related offences and several other including Dr Stephen Opuni, the former CEO of COCOBOD and the Honourable Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader are standing trial as we speak,” he said.
The OSP investigation is looking into claims of corruption and offenses related to corruption against Cecilia Dapaah, the former minister of sanitation. These grave accusations surfaced after it was shockingly revealed that over $1 million (£813,300) in cash had been found at her home.
The President’s speech attempted to highlight the government’s dedication to accountability and the rule of law while offering a comparative viewpoint on how cases pertaining to corruption have been handled by various administrations.
Fighting corruption: My administration detests corruption. – President Akufo-Addo#JoyNews pic.twitter.com/UwWbK3co6c
— Joy 99.7 FM (@Joy997FM) December 21, 2023
