Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, has voiced strong opinions regarding the ongoing case of Cecilia Dapaah, criticizing the approach taken by Ghanaian authorities and drawing comparisons to how similar situations might be handled in the United States.
Abubakar pointed out that in the US, the legal system would consider Dapaah’s age, her work and service and lifetime savings when evaluating her case.
“If it was America, they would look at her age and lifetime savings into her pensions, which I believe is in excess of 10 million,” she said. This approach, she suggested, might lead to a different legal outcome compared to Ghana.
“She is over 70 years old, has worked with the COCOBOD, and in cosmetics even before her coming into government. She’s done a lot for herself, worked as a minister under Kufuor’s government, and has been given ex-gratia for being an MP.
“Not only that, she has family properties herself and from her husband, who is a renowned architect,” Abubakar stated, emphasizing Dapaah’s extensive career and personal achievements.
The Minister also noted that the potential discussions in the US will revolve around her decision to keep substantial funds in her house and office rather than in a bank rather than assuming the former Minister is corrupt and her money laundered.
“There will be conversations about why she left her funds at home rather than the bank,” Abubakar remarked.
Addressing the broader implications for Ghana, Abubakar expressed disappointment at the skepticism regarding an individual’s ability to amass wealth legitimately.
“To assume that in Ghana, no matter your level of education, no matter your level of service, in private and public life at the age of 70 you cannot own a million dollars, is sad,” she concluded.
