Cecilia Abena Dapaah is a Ghanaian politician with a career marked by political accomplishments and recent controversies. In recent months, her name has been associated with an FBI investigation and a high-profile theft case that has captured public attention.
The Political Journey of Cecilia Dapaah
Cecilia Dapaah was born on November 27, 1954, and has dedicated her life to public service and politics. She hails from Mpasatia in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Her journey in the political arena began with her profession as a development worker. She later became a special assistant to President John Kufour, a significant stepping stone in her political career.
Throughout her political journey, Cecilia Dapaah held various roles that showcased her leadership abilities. She was appointed as the chairperson of the Board of Ghana Cocoa Processing Company in 2001, reflecting her commitment to serving her country. Subsequently, she took on the role of the deputy Minister for Water Resources, Works, and Housing, and later became a substantive minister.
A Member of Parliament
Cecilia Dapaah’s political influence extended to her role as a Member of Parliament for the Bantama constituency in the Ashanti Region. She ran on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and secured significant victories in the 2004 and 2008 Ghanaian general elections. Her constituency was part of the NPP’s success in the Ashanti Region, where they won a substantial number of parliamentary seats.
Ministerial Roles
Cecilia Dapaah’s contributions to Ghana’s political landscape included key ministerial positions. In 2017, President Akuffo-Addo nominated her as the Minister of Aviation. She was vetted by the Appointments Committee of the Parliament of Ghana and expressed her commitment to improving the aviation industry in the country. Her vision included the restart of a national carrier, with the belief that its absence was costing Ghana millions of cedis in revenue.
Subsequently, she was appointed as the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources in 2018, a role that required addressing significant issues related to sanitation and water management in the country. Her political journey continued when she was made the caretaker Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection for a year from 2021 to 2022.
The Controversy
The recent controversy surrounding Cecilia Dapaah emerged in July 2023, leading to her resignation as Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources. The scandal involved the alleged theft of substantial sums of money, including $1,000,000, €300,000, and millions in local currency, along with valuable items from her bedroom. These allegations were connected to her house helps, and they led to significant legal actions.
According to a press statement released by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Cecilia Dapaah was taken into custody on Monday, July 24, 2023, at 11:55 GMT. The arrest was associated with allegations of corruption and corruption-related activities. These activities reportedly involved significant sums of money and valuable items stolen from her residence in 2022 by two of her domestic workers.
One Madam Hannah Fosua, said to be the wife of a former driver of the Minister, claimed her husband lost his job working for Ms. Dapaah because he drew attention to the behavior of the accused persons.
Legal Developments
In September 2023, the Accra High Court ordered the Office of the Special Prosecutor to unfreeze and return the money in Cecilia Dapaah’s bank accounts. However, the situation took a surprising turn as the office later froze her bank account and investments again, while returning her seized cash amounts.
Cecilia Dapaah’s life and political career have been a rollercoaster of accomplishments and controversies. Her journey in politics has been characterized by dedication and leadership, while recent events have raised questions and captured significant public and legal attention.
As the legal proceedings continue, the future of Cecilia Dapaah’s political legacy remains uncertain, leaving Ghanaian politics with a tale of both success and controversy.