Cecilia Dapaah denies receiving $43M for Odaw River Project – Aide clarifies
Mr. Kofi Mensah, aide to Cecilia Dapaah, the former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, has strongly refuted allegations that she received $43 million to dredge the Odaw River and transform Accra into the cleanest city in Africa.
In an official statement, Mr. Mensah labeled the accusations as “baseless and malicious,” clarifying that the $42.2 million in question was allocated to the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources under the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project.
Clarifications on Project Funds
Mr. Mensah stated that the GARID Project funds were earmarked for enhancing solid waste management capacity in the Greater Accra Region and have not been misused. He emphasized that as of the time Madam Dapaah left office, the procurement process was still ongoing to engage consultants for the project.
“Further clarifications can be sought from the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources,” the statement said, underscoring that the funds remain intact under the ministry’s control.
Cleared by Special Prosecutor
The aide also referenced an investigation conducted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) last year, which cleared Cecilia Dapaah of corruption and related charges, reaffirming her integrity and commitment to public service.
Refuting Rumours
Mr. Mensah dismissed rumours that Madam Dapaah had fled the country, stating she had not traveled abroad in the past two years. “Those who were in Kumasi last week may have seen her attending some funerals,” he noted.
He expressed disappointment over the spread of false information, cautioning against unwarranted attempts to tarnish the reputation of the former minister.
Commitment to Ghana’s Development
Concluding his statement, Mr. Mensah reaffirmed Cecilia Dapaah’s dedication to Ghana’s development and her determination to defend her reputation against baseless controversies.
This development follows heightened public scrutiny of government spending and the accountability of public officials. The GARID Project, a key initiative under the Ministry of Sanitation, is expected to address Accra’s long-standing waste management and flood challenges.
