Executive Director of the African Institute of Strategic Studies, Dr Jonathan Asante-Otchere, has criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for choosing former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah, to chair its Vetting Committee for the party’s upcoming elections.

According to him, the decision could create unnecessary concerns about the credibility and integrity of the vetting process, particularly because Dapaah has previously been the subject of intense public scrutiny over corruption allegations.

Speaking in an interview on TV3 on Friday, August 14, 2026, Dr Asante-Otchere said the NPP had several other experienced women it could have considered for the role.

He acknowledged Dapaah’s long service and experience within the party and her contribution as a former party financier but argued that those credentials alone should not determine her suitability to lead such a sensitive process.

“The optics are not good,” he said, stressing that anyone appointed to vet individuals seeking to lead the party must be placed in a position where their credibility cannot easily become a subject of concern.

Dr Asante-Otchere said political parties must be particularly careful when appointing persons to positions that could expose them to intense scrutiny.

“So, you see, sometimes when you get an opportunity to serve in the government, you have to bear in mind that you have to be a bit scrutinous, you have to be a bit careful so that nobody sets even a trap for you,” he said.

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His comments follow public criticism over the fact that Dapaah has not been found guilty of any wrongdoing in connection with the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s investigations into her finances.

Dr Asante-Otchere acknowledged that she had not committed any known blunder in relation to the investigations and that funds frozen by the OSP had subsequently been returned to her.

However, he argued that political decisions are also influenced by perception and the internal dynamics of the party.

“It's always better late than never, but we have been hearing, you know, disputes here and there. I think that is something that they will have to cure before they come out whitewashed,” he said.

He cautioned the party to act decisively on matter before the election process to safeguard credibility of the process.

NA/VPO