Five individuals have petitioned the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah over allegations of acquiring assets disproportionate to her income.

The petitioners—Mensah Thompson, Al-Hassan Kwadwo Baidoo, Bernard Anbataayela Mornah, Ransford Antwi, and Joyce Atitso—are demanding a thorough examination of the former Sanitation Minister’s finances.

The controversy surrounding Ms. Dapaah first erupted following a theft report at her residence, which subsequently led to her resignation in July 2023.

The stolen items included staggering amounts of money—$1 million, €300,000, and GHS350,000—alongside luxury handbags worth $35,000 and jewellery valued at $95,000.

The revelation of these figures ignited public outrage amidst Ghana’s economic woes and the cedi's devaluation.

After her resignation, the former Sanitation Minister was arrested by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

During the investigation, which also involved the FBI, over GHS48 million was found in her accounts.

Despite the nearly seven-month-long probe, the OSP eventually dropped the charges due to insufficient evidence, and the case was handed to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). EOCO later returned the docket to the OSP, citing the same reason.

The petitioners, in their appeal on 20 May 2024, urged CHRAJ to scrutinise the former Minister’s assets, which reportedly include $1,390,000, €300,000, and GHS3,212,007, along with multiple bank accounts in both cedis and dollars.

“…More importantly, we are fortified in the need for this investigation because during interrogation by the OSP as to the source of her income, Madam Cecilia Dapaah could not give any proper explanation,” the petitioners emphasised.