Communications Director of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has expressed criticism of the Office of the Special Prosecutor's handling of a suspected corruption case involving former Sanitation and Water Resources Minister, Cecilia Dapaah.

Ahiagbah has raised concerns that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) appears to be prioritizing media attention over the essential task of thoroughly investigating the case to gather the requisite evidence for potential charges.

During an appearance on JoyNews' Newsfile on Saturday, September 2, the NPP's Communications Director openly called out the Special Prosecutor. He advised the Special Prosecutor to concentrate on carrying out his responsibilities diligently and refrain from needlessly tarnishing individuals' reputations.

“I think the Special Prosecutor has been very untidy with this whole case and getting its lungs filled with the oxygen of public interest in the matter and it’s affecting how it should approach this matter. “

“He should take less interest in the media and focus on his job.”

During the same broadcast, Mahama Ayariga, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament representing Bawku Central, also criticized the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), accusing it of negligence in its handling of the case.

Ayariga pointed out that the OSP had not fully adhered to its statutory obligations, particularly in terms of seeking court confirmation for the seizure and freezing of the former Minister's accounts.

“The law says apply for confirmation of the seizure within seven days and I am saying that the Special Prosecutor did not do that. He didn’t do that.”

“He has been negligent, and he is trying to throw dust into our eyes by issuing this long convoluted statement. The courts are there for everybody so let’s not blame the court.”

“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.”

The OSP further clarified that its decision to freeze the accounts was not based on public sentiments as it is purported.

“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.”

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.