Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Prof Ransford Gyampo says it was needless for President Akufo-Addo to wish Cecelia Dapaah to be exonerated of any corruption allegations.

Speaking on Joy FM's Super Morning Show (SMS), he stated that the President talking about his expectations, while accepting the former Sanitation and Water Resources Minister’s resignation, creates an impression that he is setting a certain tone for whatever investigations happen.

Prof Gyampo said, “The President could have simply gone on to accept the recognition without saying that he hopes that she is going to be exonerated.

"It shouldn't come from the president because he's gradually having a certain track record. People were referring to him as a clearing house and all that.”

He noted that those comments have become one too many stating that the president should keep his expectations to himself, especially since the former Sanitation and Water Resources Minister is yet to appear before an investigative body.

“The president has a penchant for passing certain judgments of people who are to be appearing before committees and investigative bodies in a manner that tends to weaken the field of independence on the part of those who would have to exercise a certain judgment,” he added.

The Political Science lecturer said, “So if the woman has resigned, you should just go ahead and accept the resignation.

"You should stop at that without talking about the expectation. I think that such expectations should be kept in the head and in the mind.”

This comes after the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah resigned in a letter on Saturday, July 22, 2023.

Read more: How house helps blew millions stolen from Cecilia Dapaah’s home

Cecilia Dapaah’s resignation follows a court case in which two house helps and others are standing trial for allegedly stealing $1 million, €300,000 and millions of cedis from her Ablekuma residence.

But, in her resignation letter, she stated that the theft took place last year and the numbers quoted to have been stolen aren't entirely accurate.

“Whereas I can state emphatically that those figures do not represent correctly what my husband and I reported to the Police, I am very much aware of the import of such stories around someone in my position.”

Read more: Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah resigns

As a result, the Minister wished to excuse herself from her position stating that she does not want this matter to become a preoccupation of the government and a hindrance to its work at such a crucial time.

The President, accepting her resignation on Sunday, expressed confidence in the integrity of the former Sanitation and Water Resources Minister.

“I am confident, like you, that, at the end of the day, your integrity, whilst in office, will be fully established. I wish you the very best in all your endeavours.”

Read more: OSP arrests, questions resigned Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah over stolen ‘huge’ cash

Meanwhile, Madam Dapaah has been placed under arrest by the Office of Special Prosecutor for suspected corruption and corruption-related offences.

Her arrest is in relation to the alleged large sums and personal properties stolen from her Abelempke home in Accra for which five people are standing trial.

Read more: $70k home, $40k cash, gifts for boyfriends – How 18-year-old house-help spent money stolen from Cecilia Dapaah

A statement issued by the OSP said, “Ms Dapaah is being questioned by authorised Officers of the OSP.”