The Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) and the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) have jointly demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the alleged misappropriation of substantial amounts of money and personal belongings from the residence of former Minister of Sanitation, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.

Expressing deep concern about the origin and intended purpose of the funds involved, which reportedly consist of US$1 million, €300,000, and unspecified millions of Ghanaian cedis, the organizations stated in an official statement that it is difficult to fathom how a public servant and well-known political figure could maintain such vast sums of money outside the formal banking system.

“It seems unconscionable to think of a public officer and a renowned political personality keeping such colossal amounts of money outside of the banking sector,” the groups said in a statement.

To strengthen Ghana's asset declaration system, the groups called for the immediate enactment of the Conduct of Public Officer's Bill, which has been pending before Cabinet for over a year without any clear commitment to its submission to parliament for consideration and approval.

“The Conduct of Public Officer’s Bill has been in front of Cabinet for more than a year without no clear commitment to having it laid before parliament for consideration and passage,” the groups said.

The GII and GACC further advocated for enhancing the Criminal Code (Amendment) Act, 2003 (Act 646) to include provisions for the reverse burden of proof when dealing with cases of illicit enrichment.

They emphasized that this particular case underscores the urgency for the Ghanaian government to enact laws that bolster the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29) and other anti-corruption legislation, incorporating the reverse burden of proof in addressing instances of illicit enrichment.

The groups called upon President Akufo-Addo to take decisive action in addressing alleged corruption cases and to demonstrate commitment to his anti-corruption stance by dispelling public perceptions of interference in corruption investigations involving individuals within his administration.

Following Dapaah's resignation from her ministerial position on July 22, 2023, she is presently under investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor. The GII and GACC's call for transparency seeks to ensure a thorough and fair inquiry into the matter.