CJ to assign new judge in Cecilia Dapaah’s case as presiding judge takes leave
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo is likely to reassign a new judge in the case involving the former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
This is because the presiding judge, Justice Edward Twum, is due for leave.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor made this known in its latest update on Wednesday, November 8.
It will be recalled that Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, on October 11, petitioned the Chief Justice to remove Justice Twum from all cases involving the OSP pending before him.
The basis for this request is the OSP’s belief that the trial judge was biased against both the OSP and the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, himself.
As a result of this perceived bias, the OSP has expressed its inability to reasonably participate in proceedings before Justice Edward Twum, hence the petition.
In view of the latest development, the case has now been adjourned to November 29, 2023.
Ms. Dapaah’s court hurdles began when seven persons, including her house help, were hauled before the court for stealing $1 million, €300,000, and other valuables from her residence.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) subsequently filed a motion to freeze her bank accounts and monies recovered after searching her residence.
Aside from the funds in her accounts, US$590,000 and over GH¢2.730,000 were also recovered from her residence on July 24.
Meanwhile, the Accra High Court is yet to decide whether the Office of the Special Prosecutor can continue to hold Mrs Dapaah’s seized cash, which the Office has described as tainted.
Below is the OSP’s post.