Ghana Attorney General Advises Against Money Laundering Probe in Cecilia Dapaah Scandal

The Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice in Ghana has advised the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) not to initiate money laundering investigations into the scandal involving former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah. This decision comes despite the discovery of over $1 million in cash and other suspicious items at Dapaah's residence during a joint investigation conducted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and agencies like the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Why this matters: The handling of this case has significant implications for Ghana's anti-corruption efforts and the government's commitment to accountability. The outcome of the investigation may also influence public trust in the government and the effectiveness of institutions responsible for combating corruption.

In a letter dated April 25, 2024, the Attorney General's office responded to EOCO's request for advice on the matter. The office found that the OSP did not submit its report on the collaborative investigation to EOCO and has not responded to EOCO's request for its findings. The Attorney General's office analyzed the docket presented by EOCO, which included the OSP's letter, diary of action, statements recorded during the investigation, and letters written to other institutions.

The Attorney General's office concluded that the OSP did not find any evidence of corruption or corruption-related offenses against Cecilia Dapaah. In the letter, the office emphasized, "The key to pursuing money laundering investigations is the capacity to prove that financial gains were obtained from criminal proceeds arising from unlawful activity. In the absence of any identified criminality associated with the properties retrieved from the suspects, the OSP's referral to EOCO for investigations into money laundering is without basis."

The development has raised concerns about the handling of the case and the effectiveness of Ghana's anti-corruption efforts. Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu accused EOCO and the Police of sleeping on the job in relation to the case. Speaking on the Ghana Tonight show on TV3 on May 1, 2024, Kpebu called for the Executive Director of EOCO, Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, to resign from her post.

Meanwhile, opposition leader John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has pledged to reopen investigations into the scandal if elected President. Mahama stated, "My government, case will reopen investigations into alleged acts of corruption and graft in the Cecilia Dapaah case." The pledge comes as Ghana prepares for the upcoming presidential election, with corruption and accountability being key issues on the campaign trail.

The Cecilia Dapaah scandal has exposed weaknesses in Ghana's legal regime and raised questions about the government's commitment to fighting corruption. Mary Awelana Addah, Executive Director of Ghana Integrity Initiatives (GII), expressed concern that the outcome of the investigation may create the impression that individuals can get away with corruption because of these weaknesses. The case continues to unfold, the government faces increasing pressure to address public concerns and demonstrate its resolve in combating corruption at the highest levels of power.

Key Takeaways

• Ghana's Attorney General advises EOCO not to investigate Cecilia Dapaah for money laundering.
• Over $1 million in cash and suspicious items were found at Dapaah's residence during a joint investigation.
• AG's office says OSP didn't find evidence of corruption or related offenses against Dapaah.
• Critics accuse EOCO and Police of "sleeping on the job" and call for resignations.
• Opposition leader John Mahama pledges to reopen investigations into the scandal if elected President.