DATA STORIES: Corruption in Ghana: The Cecilia Dapaah Case

Annalaura Viganò

Cecilia Dapaah, Former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources in Ghana. Retrieved from: https://univers.ug.edu.gh/osp-freezes-bank-accounts-of-cecilia-dapaah/

In July 2023, Ghana was rocked by the revelation of a corruption scandal involving Cecilia Dapaah, the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources. This case attracted public attention due to the high profile of the accused and the startling sums of money involved. At the heart of this scandal are allegations of unexplained wealth, illicit financial dealings, and potential abuse of public office.

The Discovery: Who, What, and Where

The controversy began when two of Dapaah’s domestic workers were arrested and charged with stealing $1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghanaian cedis from her private residence in Accra. The discovery was peculiar for the theft and the questions about why such substantial sums of cash were stored in a private home. Further investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) revealed additional suspicious financial activity, including $5 million and GH¢48 million across Dapaah’s bank accounts.

The scale of the alleged embezzlement stunned the public and triggered nationwide discussions about corruption, trust in public officials, and governance. Public outcry intensified when additional cash amounts were seized during searches of her properties, casting doubt on the minister’s financial dealings and ethics.

Why It Matters: A Reflection of Broader Issues

This scandal is not just about one individual; it is symptomatic of deeper systemic issues in Ghana’s governance and accountability structures. The case raises fundamental questions about transparency among public officials and the efficacy of anti-corruption mechanisms in a country that ranks 72nd out of 180 on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index for 2023.

Ghana’s constitution and anti-corruption laws mandate public office holders to declare their assets, but the effectiveness of these regulations remains questionable. Dapaah, like other public officials, had sworn to uphold ethical standards. However, the amounts of money linked to her and the absence of satisfactory explanations about their sources created an environment of low trust in institutions and the fairness of the electoral process (Figure 1).

Source: https://www.afrobarometer.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/AD781-Ghanaians-want-fair-elections-but-mistrust-electoral-commission-Afrobarometer-6march24.pdf

The Hook: Public and Political Reactions

The scandal sparked immediate reactions from multiple stakeholders. President Nana Akufo-Addo, under whose administration Dapaah served, pledged to uphold accountability and ordered an investigation. Critics, however, questioned the credibility of these efforts, citing previous instances where similar investigations led to no substantial outcomes. Moreover, Organizations like the Ghana Integrity Initiative called for thorough investigations and expressed concern about the implications for public confidence in governance. Local and international media provided extensive coverage, further fueling public scrutiny.

However, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the main opposition party, capitalized on the scandal by criticizing the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) for failing to combat corruption effectively.

Analyzing the Mechanisms of Corruption

The Cecilia Dapaah case underscores several systemic vulnerabilities in governance structures that enable corruption. First, even if laws require public officials to declare their assets, these declarations are often not verified or made public. Without transparency, asset declarations become ceremonial rather than functional. Secondly, institutions tasked with monitoring public officials often lack the resources, independence, or political will to hold them accountable. This explains the significant gap between de facto (5/14) and de jure transparency (6/6) inside the country. Moreover, corruption emboldens others to engage in similar misconduct without meaningful consequences. Public perception is that many high-profile cases either end inconclusively or result in token punishments.

The Welfare Implications

Corruption has real-world consequences that extend beyond the abstract realm of ethics. The Cecilia Dapaah scandal demonstrates how misappropriated funds can undermine public welfare. Ghana faces critical challenges in sectors like healthcare (which accounts for 6.7% of the total national budget), education, and infrastructure, where adequate funding could improve millions of lives. However, scandals like this one illustrate how resources that could be used to address these challenges are diverted for private gain. The estimated sums in this case alone (more than $1 million) could have funded several key public projects, such as building schools, improving water supply systems, or upgrading healthcare facilities. The opportunity cost of corruption is borne by ordinary citizens, who experience its effects in delayed or inadequate public services.

Policy Implications and the Way Forward

The Dapaah case highlights the urgent need for structural reforms to combat corruption in Ghana. Bodies like the Office of the Special Prosecutor need more autonomy, resources, and capacity to effectively investigate and prosecute corruption cases. Moreover, asset declarations by public officials should be made publicly accessible and subjected to rigorous audits. Providing legal protection and incentives for whistleblowers can help expose corruption at its roots. Digital tools can be employed to track public spending and reduce opportunities for embezzlement. For instance, transitioning to electronic payment systems can help curb the misuse of cash.

In conclusion, the Cecilia Dapaah corruption scandal is a wake-up call for Ghana. It illustrates how systemic vulnerabilities in governance can be exploited for personal gain, with severe consequences for public welfare and trust. However, it also offers an opportunity for reform. By addressing the root causes of corruption and ensuring accountability, Ghana can take meaningful steps toward restoring public confidence and fostering sustainable development.

The road to a corruption-free Ghana is long, but such scandals provide a critical impetus for change. Whether the country can seize this moment to implement lasting reforms will determine the legacy of this episode in its governance history.