By Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) says it disagreed with an order from the Accra High Court ordering the OSP to return Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah’s seized money.
The displeasure of the OSP with regards to the order of court was contained in a statement issued by the OSP in response to the Court’s order.
The OSP in a statement said it respects the directive but disagrees with it because it is erroneous.
“While the OSP respects the Court’s decision, it disagrees with the decision of the Court. 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.” Portions of the statement read.
The OSP further clarified that its decision to freeze the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources’ accounts was not based on public sentiment as it is purported by the high court judge.
“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.
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.” It noted
The OSP is investigating Madam Dapaah for corruption and corruption-related offences following the revelation that she was keeping more than $1 million in her house.
