OSP Responds to High Court decision to return Cecilia Dapaah’s seized properties within 7 days | Details

In a recent development, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has expressed its disagreement with a decision made by the Financial Division of the Accra High Court. This decision rejected the OSP’s application to freeze the bank accounts of former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah.

In a press release issued on August 31, the OSP expressed its respect for the court’s decision while firmly articulating its disagreement. The OSP outlined three key reasons for its stance.

Firstly, the OSP challenged the court’s computation of the time limitation, deeming it erroneous.

They cited a two-week period during which OSP operatives searched three private residences of Ms. Dapaah as evidence of their commitment to the investigation.

Secondly, the OSP asserted that its seizure and freezing order were executed based on reasonable suspicion, with a belief that the funds and bank balances were tainted property.

This suspicion arose from inconsistencies in Ms. Dapaah’s statements regarding stolen amounts, the discovery of funds in her residence, and the volume of transactions in her bank accounts and investments.

Thirdly, the OSP clarified that the freezing order was not a result of public sentiment but stemmed from court processes filed in a criminal matter involving Ms. Dapaah as the complainant. The order was aimed at aiding investigations as mandated by law, not merely due to the investigation itself.

The dispute arose after the High Court rejected the OSP’s application, directing the return of all seized assets belonging to the former minister within seven days.

The court contended that the OSP’s actions were based on speculation and a reaction to public sentiments, which led to subpar investigations. It further found that there was no justifiable basis for the property seizure and criticized the OSP for entering into the matter incorrectly.

Additionally, the court ruled that there were no reasonable grounds for freezing Ms. Dapaah’s bank accounts, highlighting the ongoing legal complexities surrounding this case.