Kpemka Joseph, a former Deputy Attorney General and ex-MP for Tempani, has called on the public to avoid passing judgment on Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, prior to her trial.
Former Deputy Attorney General, Joseph Kpenka.
Several groups have expressed concerns about the origin and intended use of funds, including US$1 million, 300,000, and unspecified amounts in Ghanaian cedis that were allegedly stolen from the minister's residence.
Reports went viral about two house helps who were taken to court for purportedly stealing large sums of money, along with personal belongings, from Ms. Dapaah and her husband's home.
Following the incident, Madam Dapaah was arrested by the Special Prosecutor, and two residential properties of the former minister were searched. She was later granted bail.
During an interview on the Big Issue on Citi TV, hosted by Selorm Adonoo, the former deputy attorney emphasized that the stolen US$1 million and 300,000, which were found at the former minister's residence, "could potentially be legitimately earned income."
Kpemka highlighted the possible negative impact of public commentary on Cecilia Dapaah's case, which could potentially interfere with the ongoing investigation.
He clarified that keeping money in her house does not constitute a crime, advocating for a fair and unbiased trial process.
"I urge all of us in our commentary not to prejudge Cecilia Dapaah before she's heard. Let the processes go through. In the end, if guilt is established, we can better comment on her character and integrity. Premature judgment can prejudice the process. Let's allow due process to run. We should be cautious and careful in putting her on trial in the public eye. She has not committed any offense by keeping money in her house."
He also proposed introducing legislation to criminalize hoarding of large sums of money in people's homes.
"When the issue came up and people started talking about it, I said the mere fact that you are keeping trillions of dollars in your house will not constitute an offense because there's no law in our books that would have been violated. As a people, if we think that such incidents are becoming too frequent and a means for people to perpetrate crimes, then there's a gap in our law."
"If we are discovering large amounts of cash in people's houses, and we want to prevent such occurrences, legislation is the way to go. We should go to parliament and pass a law that holds individuals accountable when huge sums of money are found in their possession," he recommended.
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