The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has requested a copy of the case docket involving former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah. The request is part of EOCO’s ongoing interest in reviewing and potentially reopening investigations into the matter.
At a press briefing in Accra, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng confirmed the request, noting that EOCO’s new leadership had formally written to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on May 14, 2025. In response, the OSP forwarded a duplicate copy of the docket to EOCO on May 29, 2025.
The OSP had initially opened an investigation into Cecilia Dapaah and her associates in July 2023 over suspected corruption and related offences following the discovery of large sums of cash and valuables. The probe, conducted in collaboration with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), found no immediate evidence of corruption tied directly to the seized money or frozen bank accounts.
However, the investigations uncovered serious indications of money laundering and structuring—financial offences that fall under EOCO’s jurisdiction rather than the OSP’s. Consequently, the case was referred to EOCO in January 2024 for further action.
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EOCO, however, returned the docket, citing legal limitations. It argued that since money laundering is considered a collateral offence, it requires a predicate offence—such as proven corruption or fraud—before investigations can legally proceed. Without such a foundation, EOCO said it could not act.
More than a year later, the case has resurfaced. According to Mr. Agyebeng, EOCO’s renewed interest prompted its latest request. He described the forwarded docket as a useful reference to support EOCO’s independent review and possible investigation into aspects of the case beyond the OSP’s legal mandate.
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“The OSP stands ready to fully cooperate and support EOCO as they assess the file and determine any further action,” the Special Prosecutor stated.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Risa Wyettey Cofie
