The Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) and the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) have asked government to thoroughly investigate the suspected theft of large sums of money and personal goods from the residence of former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah.

In a statement, the two anti-corruption groups were concerned about the source and intended use of the funds, which reportedly include US$1 million, €300,000, and unspecified millions of Ghanaian cedis.

“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,” part of the statement read.

They also called for the immediate passage of the Conduct of Public Officer’s Bill, which would strengthen Ghana’s asset declaration regime.

“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."

They also asked that the Criminal Code (Amendment) Act, 2003 (Act 646) to provide for the reverse burden of proof in addressing illicit enrichment be strengthened.

They urged President Akufo-Addo to take decisive action in addressing alleged corruption cases and “back his rhetoric on fighting corruption in Ghana by expelling the popular perception of interferences in corruption investigations, involving persons in his government.”

The group’s call for transparency comes after Dapaah’s resignation from her ministerial position on July 22, 2023.

Meanwhile, she is still being investigated by the Office of the Special Prosecutor.