Theft of $1m and €300k of Cecilia Dapaah, 2 house helps hot

Two house helps accused of theft of $1m €300,000, millions of cedis and valuables are on trial at an Accra Circuit Court.

The suspects are the house helps of Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour at Abelemkpe home.

The two 18-year-old Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei, are accused of the theft of $1m €300,000, millions of cedis, valuables  between July and October last year. 

Three additional persons have also been charged with dishonestly receiving portions of the stolen cash in connection with the thefts.

Facts of the case are that one of the house helps Patience was caught in the act, having opened and entered the couple’s room using a duplicate key.

Mr Kuffour returned home and noticed that the door to the room was unlocked and hearing unusual noises from inside.

When Mr Kufuor entered the room, he caught Patience in the act of stealing.

He reported her to the police and investigations revealed missing cash and personal belongings.  

Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei are facing one count of conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, involving amounts of $1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis.

They also allegedly stole personal belongings of Cecilia Dapaah, including assorted clothes valued at GH¢95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry valued at $95,000.

Further accusations involve Patience acting alone to steal six pieces of Kente cloth worth GH¢90,000 and six sets of men’s suits valued at $3,000, which belonged to her husband.

Further investigations revealed some of the stolen items and the money were in possession of Patience and her associates.

The accused allegedly used the stolen funds to finance various properties and purchases, including renting a 3-bedroom apartment and a store in Tamale, buying vehicles, and funding other personal expenses.

Benjamin, a 29-year-old plumber, has been accused of dishonestly receiving GH¢180,000, while Kweku Botwe, a 65-year-old trader, faces charges for dishonestly receiving GH¢50,000.

Additionally, Malik Dauda, a 23-year-old unemployed individual, is alleged to have dishonestly received GH¢1 million.

All five accused individuals appeared before the Circuit Court presided over by Judge Susana Ekuful on Thursday, July 20. However, their pleas have not yet been taken. 

Meanwhile, one the accused persons, Sarah, a breastfeeding mother due to her condition has been granted bail in the sum of GH¢1 million, with two sureties who are required to deposit their Ghana cards with the court’s registrar.

It was clarified that the bail conditions are subject to review by the substantive judge as Judge Susana Ekuful was serving as a relief judge at the time.

However, the other accused persons have been remanded into lawful custody. 

The court has adjourned the case to August 2, 2023, while investigations continue.

thechronicle.com.gh