The Member of Parliament for Bawku Central has criticized the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for not fully adhering to its Act when seeking court confirmation for the seizure and freezing of former Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation, Cecilia Dapaah's accounts.

Mahama Ayariga accused the OSP of negligence in fulfilling its responsibilities and calls for accountability. During an appearance on JoyNews' Newsfile program on Saturday, September 2, Mr. Ayariga emphasized the importance of the OSP following the law, stating that the courts are accessible to everyone, not just the OSP.

“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.”

Following the Financial and Economic Division of an Accra High Court's ruling on Thursday, August 31, ordering the Office of the Special Prosecutor to return all funds seized from former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah, the OSP issued a statement expressing respect for the directive while disagreeing with it, deeming it erroneous.

The Court ordered compliance with the ruling within seven days and stated that it cannot confirm the freezing of her bank accounts and other assets.

“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.