Former Ghanaian Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources Cecilia Dapaah faced a high-profile investigation and incarceration by the Office of the Special Prosecutor in 2025. This action followed a succession of allegations and suspicions about corruption, unexplained wealth, and financial irregularities.
The Incident Leading to Investigation
Cecilia Dapaah faced tremendous controversy in 2023 after substantial sums of money were reported stolen from her Accra house. The stolen funds were $1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghanaian cedis. Two of Dapaah's domestic staff were detained in connection with the crime, prompting an investigation into the source of Dapaah's significant riches.
The OSP discovered $590,000 and GH₵2.73 million in cash at Dapaah-related locations during their investigation. These discoveries aroused questions about the source of the monies, as Dapaah was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the wealth's origin.
Arrest and Detention in 2025
Cecilia Dapaah was apprehended by the OSP at Accra's Kotoka International Airport in January 2025 as part of the ongoing inquiry into the source of the monies. Dapaah had attempted to catch a flight to the United States, and her incarceration was triggered by concerns that she might flee the country during the inquiry.
The OSP's actions were linked to allegations of corruption and money laundering. The police were looking into whether the high sums of money were the proceeds of illegal operations, especially given Dapaah's position as a public officer. The OSP's actions were part of a larger campaign to combat corruption and hold public officials accountable for financial malfeasance.
Source: JoyNews