OSP Strongly Denies Reports That Cecilia Dapaah Has Been Cleared of Corruption Allegations

Cecilia Dapaah’s case – The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has firmly dismissed widespread media reports suggesting that former Sanitation and Water Resources Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, has been fully cleared of corruption allegations. The anti-graft body insists that such claims are misleading and distort the actual findings of its investigations conducted in collaboration with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

OSP Refutes Claims of Cecilia Dapaah’s Clearance

Cecilia Dapaah’s case – According to a public notice issued by the OSP on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, certain media houses have misrepresented its latest Half-Yearly Report. The OSP clarified that contrary to headlines suggesting Ms. Dapaah was “cleared,” the report only indicated that no direct and immediate evidence of corruption had been established at the time of the joint probe with the FBI.

The office emphasized that this legal conclusion is far from an absolute exoneration. “No direct evidence of corruption” does not mean Ms. Dapaah has been declared innocent, but rather that the standard of evidence required for immediate prosecution on corruption charges was not met during that phase of the investigation.

Money Laundering Suspicion Surrounds Cecilia Dapaah

Cecilia Dapaah’s case – While corruption-related evidence may not have been immediately substantiated, the OSP disclosed that its investigations uncovered serious red flags linked to suspected money laundering and financial structuring. These suspected offences do not directly fall under the OSP’s jurisdiction but are well within the mandate of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

The OSP noted that the Cecilia Dapaah case was initially referred to EOCO during its previous leadership, but no further action was taken. However, with new leadership now in place, the OSP has formally resubmitted the docket to EOCO for thorough investigations into the alleged money laundering offences.

Media Misrepresentation of OSP’s Cecilia Dapaah Findings

Cecilia Dapaah’s case – The OSP strongly cautioned the media against inaccurate reporting on such a sensitive national matter. According to the anti-corruption body, reducing the Half-Yearly Report into misleading headlines that suggest Cecilia Dapaah has been absolved of all wrongdoing risks undermining public confidence in ongoing investigations.

“Journalists and editors must exercise responsibility and accuracy, especially when dealing with legal and corruption-related matters,”

The OSP stressed in its statement. The institution further warned that misinformation of this kind not only distorts public understanding but also risks jeopardizing ongoing judicial processes.

OSP’s Action: Freezing of Assets and Cash Seizures

Cecilia Dapaah’s case – In addition to clarifying the corruption allegations, the OSP confirmed that it has once again frozen Cecilia Dapaah’s bank accounts and seized large sums of cash found in her possession. This decision, according to the Special Prosecutor, is a precautionary measure aimed at safeguarding assets that may be linked to suspicious financial activities.

The action underscores the seriousness of the case and highlights the possibility of further legal proceedings once EOCO concludes its money laundering investigations.

Public Reaction and National Importance

The Cecilia Dapaah corruption scandal has generated intense public interest since it first broke in July 2023, after huge sums of cash were discovered in her residence under controversial circumstances. Many Ghanaians have expressed frustration at the pace of investigations and demand greater transparency from the OSP and other state institutions.

Civil society actors, including anti-corruption campaigners, have repeatedly urged the OSP to disclose the total amounts of money seized from Ms. Dapaah. Legal practitioner and governance expert Martin Kpebu, among others, has stressed that openness in such high-profile cases is critical to restoring public trust in Ghana’s anti-corruption fight.

The latest clarification by the OSP highlights the delicate nature of corruption probes, where the absence of direct proof does not automatically mean innocence. Instead, the issue has taken a different legal direction with money laundering allegations now forming the crux of the case.

The Road Ahead for Cecilia Dapaah’s Case

The future of the Cecilia Dapaah case now largely rests in the hands of the Economic and Organised Crime Office. EOCO’s renewed investigation will determine whether the former minister faces prosecution for alleged money laundering or related financial crimes.

For now, the OSP insists that it remains committed to pursuing accountability in line with its constitutional mandate. It reassured the public that its role in fighting corruption is far from compromised, despite misinformation circulating in the media.

As the investigation unfolds, the Cecilia Dapaah corruption case will continue to test the strength of Ghana’s anti-graft institutions and the credibility of its justice system. Citizens are urged to await official updates from the relevant authorities rather than relying on speculative or misleading reports.

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