No FBI Clearance for Cecilia Dapaah - OSP Sets Record Straight
Accra ,19 August 2025 - The Office of the Special Prosecutor has strongly denied reports suggesting that the Federal Bureau of Investigation found no evidence of corruption and cleared former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah. In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the OSP described the reports as "false and misleading".
What's Behind the Controversy?
According to the OSP, certain media outlets inaccurately reported that the FBI "found no evidence of corruption" or "no direct evidence of corruption," with some even claiming that the Bureau had cleared Ms. Dapaah altogether. The OSP emphasized that these reports are a "mischievous misrepresentation" of its Half-Yearly Report, which actually stated that "no direct and immediate evidence of corruption was found" - a defined legal standard distinct from blanket phrases like "no evidence" or "cleared".
Investigation Findings
The OSP's investigation, conducted alongside a parallel inquiry by the FBI, uncovered strong indications of suspected money laundering and structuring, which fall under the mandate of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). The case was initially referred to EOCO under its previous leadership, which returned the docket without action. However, the OSP noted that the docket has since been resubmitted to EOCO upon a request by the new leadership.
Key Highlights
- No Direct Evidence of Corruption: The OSP and FBI found no direct and immediate evidence of corruption in respect of seized funds and frozen bank accounts linked to Ms. Dapaah and her associates.
- Suspected Money Laundering: The investigation identified strong indications of suspected money laundering and structuring, which fall within EOCO's mandate.
- Docket Resubmitted to EOCO: The OSP resubmitted the docket to EOCO upon a request by the new leadership, which aims to investigate the suspected money laundering aspects.
Media Caution
The OSP cautioned media outlets to exercise accuracy and fairness in their reportage on sensitive national matters, urging fidelity to official documents to ensure accurate, fair, and responsible public communication.
Ms. Dapaah came under public scrutiny in July 2023 after large sums of foreign and local currency were discovered in her residence, triggering multiple corruption-related investigations. The case has since taken several turns, with the OSP and EOCO working together to investigate the matter.
Source - Lead News Online/Shiela Amerley Biala
