The People’s National Convention (PNC) has called on civil society, political parties and the media to allow the constitution to work “by giving fair hearing to all persons” in the matter involving former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
The opposition party says public discussion on the stolen monies from the home of Madam Abena Dapaah is bias against her.
“Despite our claims that there are state institutions in place to deal with situations of this sort, we pollute these institutions by believing rumours, which only serves to further alienate women from politics,” a statement issued by the party on Sunday, August 13 said.
“The so-called state institutions’ claim of fighting corruption only come into full gear when women are involved,” the statement signed by General Secretary Janet Asana Nabla said, citing how the likes of the late Dzifa Attivor, Victoria Hamah and Betty-Mould Iddrisu were unfairly treated in the past for similar cases.
“They throw stones at these women without giving them a fair hearing.
“This violates the constitution of our country which has mandated all persons to experience natural justice before passing judgement.”
The PNC statement pointed out how workshops are held to arouse the interest of women in politics “yet we push the few we already have away when they are confronted with challenges”.
“The violation of the provision of the constitution that says we are all equal before the law and gender should not be a factor is what is happening in Cecilia Dapaah’s case.”
The party, therefore, wants the constitution to be upheld since one is considered “innocent until proven guilty”.
Madam Cecilia Dapaah is being investigated by the Office of Special Prosecutor (OSP) for corruption and corruption-related offences.
She is to prove the source of some $590,000 and GH¢2.73 million found in her Abelemkpe home after a thorough search by officers from the Office.