The Accra High Court has decided to defer the proceedings of the case involving former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah until January 11, 2024, following a request made by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) during Friday’s court session.

The OSP sought the adjournment, citing the need to await the completion of an investigative report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) related to Cecilia Dapaah. In October of this year, the FBI collaborated with the OSP in a synchronized effort to delve into matters concerning Cecilia Dapaah and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour.

This joint effort aims to scrutinize the legality surrounding the wealth accumulated by Ms. Dapaah and her associates, spanning both Ghana and the United States. The OSP consequently requested the adjournment of the case, titled ‘Special Prosecutor V Cecilia Dapaah & Daniel Osei Kuffour (civil case) FT/0074/2023,’ which involves the frozen bank accounts and seized cash of the former minister.

The presiding judge granted the prosecution’s request, acknowledging the significance of the FBI’s involvement. However, the judge directed the OSP to conclude its review of the motion before the next hearing.

Background

The OSP had charged Cecilia Dapaah for failing to declare her income and property. According to the statement of offense filed at the High Court on Friday, October 6, Cecilia Dapaah allegedly failed to respond to a notice to declare her property within the stipulated 30 days, as required by the OSP Act. The OSP contends that this contravenes the OSP Act, and she must face consequences for it.

In response, lawyers for Cecilia Dapaah filed an injunction application against the OSP, stating that if not restrained, irreparable damage would be inflicted upon the former Minister.

[Source: MyJoyOnline]