Former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah, has testified in an Accra High Court in the ongoing trial of her domestic workers accused of stealing large sums of money and other valuables from her.
Taking the witness stand for the first time on Tuesday, March 11, Mrs. Dapaah detailed how her jewellery, valued at $53,000, was stolen.
She explained that, beyond cash theft, the accused persons took valuable items she had accumulated over three decades.
She further stated that aside from the jewellery, other treasured personal belongings were stolen over time by the domestic workers.
Background
The case centers on allegations of theft by two of Mrs. Dapaah’s former housekeepers, who allegedly stole cash, jewellery, and other valuables worth millions of cedis from her Abelemkpe residence in Accra.
The accused, 18-year-old Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei, are facing charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing. The thefts allegedly occurred between July and October 2022.
Among the stolen items were assorted clothes valued at GH¢95,000, six pieces of Kente cloth worth GH¢90,000, and six sets of men’s suits worth $3,000 belonging to Mrs. Dapaah’s husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour.
Three other individuals—Ms. Botwe’s current and former boyfriends, as well as her father—are also facing charges for dishonestly receiving GH¢1 million, GH¢180,000, and GH¢50,000, respectively.
The complainants reported the theft in June 2023 after discovering missing cash and personal effects. Ms. Botwe was caught entering the couple’s bedroom with a duplicate key, leading to her arrest. Investigations revealed that she, with the help of her alleged accomplice, had hidden stolen money and used it to purchase properties and expensive items.
Following the arrests, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) launched an investigation into the source of the funds found in Mrs. Dapaah’s home.
However, the case with the OSP did not succeed, despite public outcry that led to her resignation as minister. Many had questioned how a public official could store such large sums of money at home.
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