President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has asserted that his government has not intervened in the ongoing investigation of former Sanitation and Water Resources Minister, Cecilia Abena Dappah.
Emphasising the independence of the Special Prosecutor, he stated that there has been no attempt by the executive to influence the investigations into any of his appointees.
Addressing the audience at the launch of the evaluation of Ghana’s National Anti-Corruption Action Plan at the Jubilee House in Accra, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the transparency of subjecting government officials to investigations.
He pointed out the absence of evidence or allegations indicating executive interference in the case of Cecilia Abena Dapaah, citing it as a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to combating corruption.
The President remarked, “No evidence or allegation has been forthcoming that the executive has made any attempt to influence the outcome of any of these investigations. The latest episode involving the former Minister for Sanitation, the Honourable Cecilia Abena Dapaah, is evident for all to see.
“I am not aware of any government in the Fourth Republic subjecting so many of its officials to such investigations and inquiries.”
He drew attention to the contrast with the previous Mahama administration, noting that officials like William Matthew Tetteh Tevi, Alhaji Salifu Osman, and Eugene Baffour Bonney had been tried and convicted in the $4 million NCA’s scandal. Additionally, he mentioned ongoing trials involving individuals such as Dr. Stephen Opuni, the former CEO of COCOBOD, and the Honourable Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader.
President Akufo-Addo underscored the government’s dedication to addressing corruption while maintaining the autonomy of investigative bodies, highlighting the ongoing legal proceedings against officials from previous administrations as evidence of a commitment to accountability.
“At the same time, several officials in the previous Mahama administration, such as William Matthew Tetteh Tevi, Alhaji Salifu Osman, and Eugene Baffour Bonney, in the $4 million NCA’s scandal, have been tried and convicted of various corruption-related offences, and several others, including Dr. Stephen Opuni, the former CEO of COCOBOD, and the Honourable Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, are standing trial as we speak,” he said.
