Ghanaians Call for Special Prosecutor to Investigate Minister and Husband over Alleged Stolen Funds
Ghanaians Demand Special Prosecutor Investigate Minister and Husband for Alleged Stolen Funds
Accra, Ghana – Ghanaians are calling on the Special Prosecutor to take action against Cecilia Abena Dapaah, Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour, following the discovery of large sums of money in their residence. The calls for an arrest, investigation, and prosecution come after allegations of US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis being found in their house.
Some Ghanaians, who spoke to the Metro Lens newspaper, have questioned how the Minister acquired such wealth and maintained a luxurious lifestyle in a country still grappling with poverty and development challenges. They are calling on the President to follow the example of his predecessor, John Dramani Mahama, who immediately sacked the then Deputy Communications Minister Victoria Hammah after she was recorded allegedly saying she would stay in politics until she made $1 million.
The case revolves around the arrest and charges against two house assistants, Patience Botwe and Sarah Agyei, who are currently facing trial in an Accra Circuit Court. They have been accused of being involved in the theft of significant amounts of money and personal belongings belonging to Cecilia Abena Dapaah and her husband.
According to reports, the thefts, which involve millions of Ghana Cedis, took place between July and October 2022 at the couple’s residence in Abelemkpe, a suburb of Accra. The accused, Patience and Sarah, are facing charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and multiple counts of theft, involving US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis.
During the same period, the pair allegedly stole various personal items from Cecilia Abena Dapaah, including clothes, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry, valued at US$95,000. Patience is also accused of acting alone in stealing Kente cloth worth GH¢90,000 and men’s suits worth US$3,000, which belonged to the Minister’s husband.
In addition to the house assistants, three other individuals have been charged in connection with the thefts. Benjamin, a plumber, is accused of dishonestly receiving GH¢180,000, while Kweku Botwe, a trader, faces charges for dishonestly receiving GH¢50,000. Malik Dauda, an unemployed individual, is alleged to have dishonestly received GH¢1 million.
All five accused individuals appeared before an Accra Circuit Court presided over by Judge Susana Ekuful on Thursday, July 20, 2023. However, their pleas have not yet been taken.
Sarah has been granted bail in the sum of GH¢1 million, with two sureties required to deposit their Ghana cards with the court’s registrar. Patience, along with her alleged boyfriends and father, has been remanded into lawful custody.
According to the prosecution, Patience, also known as Maabena, previously worked as a house assistant for the complainants, Daniel Osei Kuffour and Cecilia Abena Dapaah. Sarah, too, was a former house assistant for the couple.
The alleged thefts came to light in June of this year when the complainants reported the incidents to the police after discovering missing cash and personal belongings. Patience was caught in the act, having opened and entered the couple’s room using a duplicate key. Mr. Kuffour apprehended her upon his return home, as he noticed the room was unlocked and heard unusual noises from inside.
Further investigations revealed the stolen items and money in the possession of Patience and her associates. It is alleged that the stolen funds were used to finance various properties, including a 3-bedroom apartment and a store in Tamale, as well as the purchase of vehicles and personal expenses.
The court has adjourned the case to August 2, 2023, while investigations continue.
Ghanaians are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the ongoing investigations and are demanding transparency and accountability. They expect the Special Prosecutor to conduct a thorough investigation.