Mr. Kofi Mensah, the aide to former Sanitation and Water Resources Minister Cecilia Dapaah, has refuted claims that she received $43 million to dredge the Odaw River and transform Accra into the cleanest city in Africa.
In a statement, Mr. Mensah described the allegations as baseless and malicious, clarifying that $42.2 million had been allocated to the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources under the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project.
He emphasized that the funds remain under the ministry’s control and have not been misused.
The aide explained that the GARID Project funds were earmarked to enhance solid waste management, and as of the time of Madam Dapaah’s departure from office, procurement processes were still ongoing to engage local and international consultants.
“Further clarifications can be sought from the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources,” the statement added.
Mr. Mensah also noted that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) had investigated Cecilia Dapaah last year and cleared her of corruption and related charges, reaffirming her integrity and commitment to public service.
Addressing rumors that Madam Dapaah had fled the country, Mr. Mensah dismissed them as fabrications, stating: “Honourable Dapaah has not travelled out of the country in the last two years. Those who were in Kumasi last week may have seen her attending some funerals.”
He expressed disappointment over the persistent spread of false information about the former minister, cautioning against dragging her name into unfounded controversies.
The statement concluded by reiterating Madam Dapaah’s dedication to Ghana’s development and her commitment to safeguarding her reputation amidst attempts to tarnish it.