The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has described reports circulating in the sections of the media as misleading regarding the investigation into Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
According to the OSP, certain media outlets inaccurately reported that the FBI found “no evidence of corruption” or “no direct evidence of corruption” and even claimed that Cecilia Dapaah had been cleared.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 19, the OSP said, these reports are a mischievous misrepresentation of their Half-Yearly Report.
The OSP clarifies that their investigation, conducted in collaboration with the FBI, found no direct and immediate evidence of corruption, which is a specific legal standard.
This distinction is crucial and differs significantly from blanket statements suggesting no evidence or clearance.
The OSP further explains that the case was referred to the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) due to strong indications of suspected money laundering and structuring, which fall under EOCO’s mandate.
And that, although the previous EOCO leadership returned the docket to the OSP without action, the new leadership requested the docket’s return, and the OSP complied.
The OSP urges media outlets to ensure accurate and responsible reporting by adhering to official documents and avoiding misrepresentation.
*Full statement*
The attention of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has been drawn to misleading reports on the findings regarding investigations involving Ms. Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
Certain media outlets reported that the FBI “found no evidence of corruption,” while others claimed the FBI “found no direct evidence of corruption.”
Some have gone further to publish that the FBI has cleared Cecilia Dapaah.
These reports are inaccurate and a mischievous misrepresentation of the OSP’s Half-Yearly Report (page 9, bullet 2.26).
The findings were the result of investigations conducted by the OSP and a parallel aspect by the FBI at the instance of the OSP.
The report clearly indicated that no direct and immediate evidence of corruption was found – a carefully defined legal standard that is materially different from the blanket phrases as “noevidence” and “has been cleared”
The OSP further emphasises that the case was referred to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) under the previous leadership of EOCO because investigations uncovered strong indications of suspected money laundering and structuring, which fall within EOCO’s direct mandate.
The previous leadership of EOCO did not act on it and returned the docket to the OSP.
The OSP returned the docket to EOCO upon a request by the new leadership.
The OSP urges all media outlets to report with precision and fidelity to the text of official documents to ensure accurate, fair, and responsible public communication on matters of high national interest.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
