Freezing, seizing Cecilia Dapaah accounts, assets: Court rules August 31

The Financial Crimes High Court, presided over by Justice Edward Twum, is set to deliver its ruling on Thursday, 31 August 2023 regarding the special prosecutor’s attempt to freeze the assets of former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah.

The office of the special prosecutor filed the application in a bid to confirm the freezing of two accounts owned by Ms Dapaah.

The OSP suspects that the funds in these accounts might be tainted.

Furthermore, the OSP has requested the court’s confirmation of its decision to seize a total of US$590,000.00 and GHC2,730,000.00 found during a search of Cecilia Dapaah’s residence.

Presenting the OSP’s motion, Dr. Isidore Tufour, Director of Prosecutions at the OSP, argued that while ownership of the discovered funds remains disputed, there are reasonable grounds to suspect them as tainted property.

The OSP’s actions are grounded in Section 32 (1) of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, (2017) Act 959.

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In response to the OSP’s motion, Victoria Barth, lawyer for Cecilia Dapaah, contested the application, asserting that the OSP’s request to confirm the freezing of the accounts and seizure of funds should fail.

She highlighted discrepancies in the application, citing that it had been brought out of time according to Section 32(2) of Act 959.

Ms Barth further argued that there must be clear evidence linking the funds to the commission of an offence or corruption-related activity.

As the court session adjourned, questions arose about why only Cecilia Dapaah was arrested, not her husband.

Dr. Tufour responded that both individuals were arrested and are currently on bail.

However, Ms Barth expressed surprise at this revelation, as her client was unaware of her husband’s arrest.

Source: classfmonline.com