By GhanaNewsPage 
Cecilia Dapaah Denies Allegations of Receiving $43 Million for Odaw River Project – Aide Sets the Record Straight
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Cecilia Dapaah, Ghana’s former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, has denied allegations of receiving $43 million earmarked for the Odaw River dredging project. The accusations have been described as baseless and malicious by her aide, Mr. Kofi Mensah, who clarified that the funds in question remain under the management of the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources for the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project.
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Aide Refutes Misappropriation Claims
In a detailed statement addressing the allegations, Mr. Mensah emphasized that the $42.2 million allocated under the GARID Project is intact and has not been misused. He explained that the funds are specifically designated for projects aimed at improving Accra’s resilience to flooding, enhancing sanitation infrastructure, and achieving the broader vision of transforming Accra into the cleanest city in Africa.
“These claims are not only false but also damaging to the reputation of Cecilia Dapaah, who has always prioritized transparency and accountability in her public service,” Mr. Mensah stated.
The GARID Project: A Breakdown
The GARID Project, launched in collaboration with international development partners, is a flagship initiative designed to address longstanding environmental and infrastructural challenges in the Greater Accra Region.
Key components of the project include:
- Odaw River Dredging: Comprehensive efforts to remove silt, debris, and waste clogging the river to reduce flooding risks.
- Flood Mitigation Measures: Construction of drainage systems and flood control mechanisms to protect vulnerable communities.
- Sanitation Improvements: Upgrades to waste management systems to tackle the root causes of environmental degradation.
- Urban Resilience Initiatives: Developing sustainable solutions to ensure Accra’s infrastructure can withstand the impacts of climate change.
The project has garnered significant international support, with funding contributions from organizations such as the World Bank.
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Cecilia Dapaah’s Commitment to Accountability
During her tenure, Cecilia Dapaah was known for her commitment to improving sanitation and water resources across Ghana. She championed various projects aimed at enhancing access to clean water, reducing waste pollution, and promoting public health.
Mr. Mensah reiterated that all GARID Project funds are subject to stringent oversight mechanisms, ensuring transparency in their disbursement and use. “The suggestion that funds have been diverted or mismanaged is entirely without merit,” he added.
Reactions to the Allegations
The allegations against Cecilia Dapaah have sparked widespread debate, with some questioning their timing and intent. Supporters argue that her track record of service contradicts the claims, while critics are calling for an independent investigation to lay the matter to rest.
Meanwhile, stakeholders involved in the GARID Project have called for focus on the initiative’s critical objectives. “Accra faces serious challenges that demand collaborative efforts, not distractions caused by baseless accusations,” one development expert noted.
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Moving Forward
As Ghana continues its journey toward achieving sustainable urban development, the GARID Project remains a cornerstone of these efforts. Cecilia Dapaah’s aide expressed hope that the clarification would refocus attention on the critical work at hand, emphasizing the importance of unity in addressing Accra’s environmental and infrastructural challenges.
The denial of these allegations underscores the need for factual reporting and constructive dialogue on Ghana’s development priorities. With initiatives like the GARID Project underway, stakeholders are urged to stay focused on achieving long-term, impactful change for Accra and beyond.
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