Former Auditor-General Daniel Yao Domelevo has expressed disappointment with Attorney General Godfred Dame regarding his handling of allegations against former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah.
Domelevo believes that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), the institutions leading the investigations, should have provided the public with details about the probe to maintain credibility.
He asserted that the AG, given his constitutional mandate, should have facilitated cooperation between these institutions and offered necessary support rather than making statements that could undermine the probe’s integrity.
In an interview with JoyNews, monitored by GhanaWeb, Domelevo remarked that halting the case against the former sanitation minister could erode public confidence in state institutions.
“My biggest disappointment comes from the Attorney General. By virtue of the constitutional mandate he has, more or less all these institutions fall under him. Instead of him writing a letter to say you didn’t get information from this person, so discontinue, I thought he should have called the OSP and called Madam Tiwa and said, ‘Look, guys, you are working in the public interest. What information do you need from OSP? What stops you from providing this information’
“I don’t think the investigation done by OSP was paid for with money from their pockets. It was public funds, and they were doing the investigations in the public interest. So, whatever information is available to them that can aid EOCO in doing their work, I think they should have made that available. I don’t think the non-availability or the non-release of that information to EOCO should be grounds to say that because of that, we are discontinuing the case,” he said.
Background:
Cecilia Dapaah faces investigation by the OSP for corruption and corruption-related offenses following allegations that two of her house helps stole over $1 million, as well as €300,000 in cash and other valuables from her Abelemkpe residence.
The OSP froze Dapaah’s accounts for a second time on September 5, 2023, after an Accra High Court initially directed the office to unfreeze her accounts and investments and return seized funds. This came after an earlier freeze order.
GhanaWeb reported on August 9, 2023, that the OSP had frozen the assets and bank accounts of the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, containing millions of dollars and cedis.
On October 16, 2023, the OSP lifted the freeze on five of Dapaah’s bank accounts but maintained the freezing order on her other bank accounts and financial assets.
Spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office, Isaac Wilberforce Mensah, has refuted claims that the office had concluded investigations into the scandal involving former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
This rebuttal follows the office’s advice to the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) against initiating money laundering investigations into Dapaah’s affairs, based on the Attorney General’s determination that the request from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) lacked merit.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, pledged to resume investigations into the Dapaah scandal if elected President, in a recent statement.
In an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News, Mr Mensah clarified that the office’s advice did not signal the end of investigations. He stressed that neither the OSP nor the FBI had uncovered any offense.
Mr Mensah emphasized that the Attorney General’s actions did not preclude further investigation, as the police were already examining the matter.
“What the AG has done is not to close any door for investigation. We have not closed any door for investigation. The AG has indicated already that the police are investigating this matter.”
“Even most of the documents that the OSP relied on for its investigations were documents procured from the police or obtained from the Ghana Police Service. So how has the AG or the Office of the AG by this letter closed investigations. It is thus certainly not what the letter sought to suggest.”
He pointed out that many of the documents used by the OSP were obtained from the Ghana Police Service, indicating ongoing inquiries.
Regarding Mahama’s statement about reopening investigations, Mr Mensah affirmed the office’s commitment to serving the country, transcending political administrations.
He stated that if investigations lead to prosecution, the office would pursue it, but emphasized that no crime had been established at present.
An 18-year-old hairdresser, and seven others, including Sarah Agyei, have been remanded into prison custody by the High Court in Accra.
The charges stem from their alleged involvement in stealing substantial sums of money, including 300,000 euros, and other valuable properties, from the residence of former sanitation minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
Despite being granted bail with stringent conditions, the accused persons failed to meet the requirements, leading to their transfer from police custody to prison custody.
The decision was made by the Court after State Prosecutors, led by Senior State Attorney Akosua Agyepomaa Agyemang, sought the change in custody.
While defence lawyers, headed by Nana Addo Asirifi, opposed the move to allow the accused to fulfil their bail conditions, the Court maintained that once their bail bonds are certified, they can be released.
Notably, the Court made an exception for Sarah Agyei, who is reportedly breastfeeding a nine-month-old baby, allowing her to remain in police cells.
The court proceedings, which were expected to include a Case Management Conference on March 8, faced a setback as some defence lawyers claimed they had not been served with the latest processes filed by the Prosecution on February 2.
The accused, including Patience Botwe and Sarah Agyei, aged 18 and 30 respectively, along with Benjamin Sowah, Malik Dauda, Christiana Achab, Job Pomary, and Yahaya Sumaila, have pleaded not guilty to 31 counts, ranging from conspiracy to steal, stealing, dishonestly receiving, and money laundering. The case took a turn on November 8 when a new charge sheet was filed at the High Court, increasing the counts to 31, including charges of conspiracy, stealing, dishonestly receiving, and money laundering.
The accused persons have been facing legal proceedings since July 6, 2023, and the court has set the next hearing for March 15.
State Prosecutors have also filed an application to restrict the accused from disposing of properties in their custody.
The Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, has confirmed the receipt of the docket pertaining to the alleged money laundering case involving former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah.
While acknowledging that the Office of the Special Prosecutor(OSP) has officially submitted the docket,Madam Addo-Danquah stated that she is currently in the process of reviewing it.
In an interview with 3News she stated that “I have that, and we are now reviewing. At the appropriate time, we will speak about it. I am not well-briefed about the docket, so I don’t want to make any comment on it until we review it. The most important thing is that he has handed over; I don’t have anything more to add”.
When questioned about the contract awarded by the Ghana Revenue Authority to Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML), Addo-Danquah emphasized that she refrains from discussing matters she is not well-briefed on.
Recalling events from January 25, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) transferred the Cecilia Dapaah case to EOCO, with Special Prosecutor Mr. Kissi Agyebeng highlighting the focus on money laundering falling within EOCO’s mandate.
Approximately 11 months ago, the OSP initiated an investigation into then Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah after reports of substantial sums being stolen from her residence by domestic staff. Cash sums ranging from $590,000 to 2.7 million cedis were discovered at various residences linked to Dapaah, leading to the freezing of her bank accounts.
Despite an unsuccessful attempt to secure court approval, the OSP retained control of the funds and sought court confirmation. However, on January 25, the OSP announced the discontinuation of the case, citing extensive collaborative investigations within and outside Ghana.
“The Office has determined that the crime borders largely on money laundering, which falls within the mandate of EOCO,” he said.
Good morning members of the media. I warmly welcome you again to the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
One of the contemporary legal problems that confront us is the movement and the stashing of large sums of cash – with its attendant likelihood of distorting economies. Ordinarily, it is not unlawful for a person to move or keep large cash sums as long as the money was lawfully acquired. Afterall, it is the person’s money and as owner, that person may choose to do what pleases that person with that person’s money.
The important consideration is that the holder of large cash sums should be able to account for same as to the lawfulness of the source. Therefore, where the source of the money is cast in some considerable doubt, then legal hurdles are raised and questions are posed.
On this score, the antenna of investigative authorities swing into enquiring activity where public officials are detected to be keeping or moving large sums of money. This is because, in almost every jurisdiction, including Ghana, it is extremely unusual and highly suspicious for a public officer to have such large cash sums stashed in their homes – as it raises concerns of suspected inappropriate conduct. And such occurrences dictate pause and reflection.
It is in this context that the Office of the Special Prosecutor commenced investigation in July 2023 in respect of suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding large amounts of money (mainly in foreign denominations) and other valuable items involving Ms. Cecilia Abena Dapaah, a former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources and her spouse, Mr Daniel Osei-Kufour.
The investigation was triggered by a complaint filed by Ms Dapaah and Mr Osei-Kufour to the police against certain individuals on an allegation of the theft of large sums of money from the residence of the complainants. Ms. Dapaah was the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources at the time. The complaint precipitated criminal proceedings in the Circuit Court, Accra against four (4) persons on various counts of theft in Court Case No. D4/155/2023 The Republic v. Patience Botwe & Three Ors.
The charges recounted that between July and October 2022 the accused persons allegedly stole valuable items from the residence of Ms. Dapaah and Mr. Osei-Kufour at Abelemkpe, Accra – including cash amounts of One Million United States dollars (US$1,000,000.00) and Three Hundred Thousand euros (€300,000.00).
The initial complaint to the police recounted that Eight Hundred Thousand United States dollars (US$800,000.00) of the amount reportedly stolen from the residence belonged to Ms. Dapaah’s deceased brother and Three Hundred Thousand cedis(GHS 300,000.00) was contribution towards Ms. Dapaah’s mother’s funeral which was contained in a box. There was no indication as to the source of the remainder of Two Hundred Thousand United States dollars US$200,000.00) and Three Hundred Thousand euros (€300,000.00).
On the basis of Case No. D4/155/2023 The Republic v. Patience Botwe & Three Ors. and the totality of the criminal intelligence gathered by the Office and that large sums of money were physically stashed at the residences of Ms. Dapaah and Mr. Osei-Kufour, the Special Prosecutor directed full investigation into corruption and corruption-related offences involving the respondent (in accordance with regulation 6 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (Operations) Regulations, 2018 (L.I. 2374)) as the circumstances reasonably indicated to the Office that the source of the cash sums stated as belonging to Ms. Dapaah (a public officer at the time) on the charge sheet in D4/155/2023 The Republic v. Patience Botwe & Three Ors. was suspicious and that the cash sums were suspected tainted property as being proceeds from corruption and corruption-related offences.
On 24 July 2023, the Office placed Ms. Dapaah under arrest on charges of corruption and corruption-related offences. The Office subsequently conducted searches in three (3) residential properties associated with Ms. Dapaah and Mr. Osei-Kufour at Cantonments, Abelemkpe and Tesano in Accra. The searches, which were carried out over a period of two (2) weeks, led to the discovery of the cash sums of Five Hundred and Ninety Thousand United States dollars (US$590,000.00) and Two Million Seven Hundred and Thirty Thousand cedis (GHS2,730,000.00).
Ms. Dapaah and Mr. Osei-Kufuor could not readily provide a reasonable explanation as to the sources of the cash sums. Authorized officers of the Office seized the discovered cash sums on reasonable grounds that they were suspected of tainted property in accordance with section 32(1) of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959) as it was necessary to exercise the power of seizure to prevent concealment of the cash sums.
The Special Prosecutor, considering it necessary to facilitate the investigations, issued a freezing order against the bank accounts and investments of Ms. Dapaah domiciled at Prudential Bank Limited and Societe Generale Ghana.
Upon the refusal by the High Court to confirm the freezing and seizure orders in August 2023, the Office re-seized the cash sums and re-froze the bank accounts and investments and applied to the court again for confirmation in FT0074/2023 The Special Prosecutor v. Cecilia Abena Dapaah & Daniel Osei-Kufour.
Extensive investigation was conducted in-country involving twenty (20) persons and three (3) state institutions, and especially in the Ashanti Region to establish the financial standing of Ms. Dapaah’s deceased brother during his lifetime and at the time of his death.
From October 2023, the investigation became cross-border and transboundary upon the claim by the persons of interest that part of the seized cash sums was transported to Ghana from the United States. For that reason, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the United States became involved in a collaborative investigative work with the Office on the matter.
The investigation has been aimed at determining the source(s) of the large cash sums associated with Ms. Dapaah and Mr. Osei-Kufuor. The Office has had the benefit of seven (7) months of in-country and four (4) months of collaborative transboundary investigation. On the totality of the gathered evidence and intelligence, it seems to us that the case is largely in the province of suspected money laundering and structuring.
By operation of law, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has a specific and direct mandate in respect of suspected cases of money laundering and its attendant activity of structuring. Consequently, the Office is referring the case to EOCO for continued investigation and further action. The Office will be in close collaboration with EOCO and continued collaboration with the FBI.
A little over an hour ago, the Office discontinued its application that was pending before the High Court for a confirmation of the seizure and freezing orders in pursuance of the referral of the case to EOCO. The Court ordered a return of the seized cash sums and unfreezing of the bank accounts and investments within seventy-two (72) hours.
The Office also discontinued the procedural criminal charge against Ms. Dapaah for failure to return forms on declaration of property and income.
The Special Prosecutor (SP), Kissi Agyebeng, has made his inaugural appearance at the High Court in Accra regarding a case wherein former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, and her family are seeking an interlocutory injunction against the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the ex-Sanitation Minister, along with her husband Daniel Osei Kuffuor, submitted the application for an interlocutory injunction against the Office of the Special Prosecutor. This action follows the freezing of her accounts by the OSP.
According to the submitted application, the couple is seeking, among other things, a declaration that the Special Prosecutor’s re-seizure of their funds initially confiscated on July 24 and the subsequent re-freezing of their bank accounts on September 5, 2023, is unjust and against the law.
On Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at the court session before Justice Owusu Adu Agyemang, the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, made his inaugural appearance.
The case was adjourned to February 1, 2024, following an in-camera session. However, the reason for the adjournment remains unclear.
At the last Court sitting, on December 5, last year, Prosecutors of the OSP asked the court for an adjournment due to certain developments.
Cecilia Dapaah and her husband per the application filed are seeking among other things, that the OSP’s re-seizure of their money initially seized on July 24 and re-freezing of their bank accounts on September 5, 2023, is unfair and unlawful.
According to EIB Network’s Legal Affairs Correspondent, Murtala Inusah, the Applicants – Cecilia Dapaah and her husband Daniel Osei Kuffuor were both absent while the Special Prosecutor was present.
The High Court presided over by Justice Joseph Adu Agyemang Owusu has since adjourned the case to January 9, 2024.
Subject matter
The former Minister argued that her application for Judicial review was necessitated by the OSP’s prejudicial and arbitrary conduct from the inception of his investigations into corruption and corruption-related offences allegedly involving her and the husband.
She said, the action is also to prevent further violation of her constitutionally guaranteed rights and rendering her Application for Judicial review otiose, “It is imperative that the Respondent is restrained from continuing his investigation pending the determination of my said Application.”
“I am advised by Counsel that I have property and personal rights that need to be protected by this Honourable Court and that an order of injunction should be granted against the Respondent to prohibit and restrain him from further violating my rights until the determination of this matter.
“I am advised by Counsel that damages will be inadequate to compensate me if this application for injunction is not granted and judgment is subsequently entered in the Applicant’s favour.
“I am further advised by Counsel and verily believe same to be true that considering the facts of this case and all surrounding circumstances it is just, convenient, proper, and necessary for this Honourable Court to exercise its discretion in my favour and grant this application,” she argued.
Reliefs
The former minister and her lawyers are seeking the following reliefs per the application for interlocutory injunction.
(a). A declaration that the Respondent’s re-seizure of the money (initially seized from the Applicant’s home on 24/07/23) and re-freezing of Applicant’s bank accounts respectively on 5th September 2023 is unfair, unreasonable, capricious, arbitrary, and ultra vires the Respondent’s statutory powers under Act 959 relative to the constitutional provisions of Articles 23 and 296 of the Constitution, 1992.
(b) An Order for the Respondent to release the money reseized on 5th September 2023 to the Applicant and to unfreeze her bank accounts
(c) An Order prohibiting the Respondent from continuing the investigation of the Applicant and her husband for corruption or corruption-related offences.
(d) Any such further or other Orders as this Honourable Court may deem fit.
President Akufo-Addo has asserted that he has refrained from intervening in the ongoing investigation involving former Sanitation and Water Resources Minister, Cecilia Abena Dappah.
Emphasizing the independence of the Special Prosecutor throughout the investigations, President Akufo-Addo clarified his position during the launch of Ghana’s National Anti-Corruption Action Plan evaluation at the Jubilee House in Accra on Thursday.
Addressing the gathering, President Akufo-Addo stated unequivocally that the executive branch does not interfere in investigations of his appointees.
He highlighted the absence of evidence or allegations suggesting any attempt by the executive to influence the outcomes of these investigations. The President cited the recent case involving the former Minister for Sanitation, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, as a clear example.
President Akufo-Addo emphasized the unprecedented nature of subjecting numerous officials in his administration to investigations and inquiries, showcasing the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
He contrasted this with instances in the previous Mahama administration, citing individuals like William Matthew Tetteh Tevi, Alhaji Salifu Osman, and Eugene Baffour Bonney, who were tried and convicted in the $4 million NCA’s scandal.
Additionally, figures like Dr. Stephen Opuni, the former CEO of COCOBOD, and the Honourable Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader, are currently facing trial.
“No evidence or allegation has been forthcoming that the executive has made any attempt to influence the outcome of any of these investigations. The latest episode involving the former Minister for Sanitation, the Honourable Cecilia Abena Dapaah, is evident for all to see.
“I am not aware of any government in the Fourth Republic subjecting so many of its officials to such investigations and enquiries.”
“At the same time, several officials in the previous Mahama administration such as William Matthew Tetteh Tevi, Alhaji Salifu Osman, and Eugene Baffour Bonney in the $ 4 million NCA’s scandal have been tried and convicted of various corruption-related offences and several other including Dr Stephen Opuni, the former CEO of COCOBOD and the Honourable Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority Leader are standing trial as we speak,” he said.
Embattled former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah has filed an injunction application against the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for prosecuting her until its freeze of her accounts and cash seizure case is determined.
Per the court documents filed today, Tuesday, October 10, the lawyers say if the OSP is not retrained, the accused will suffer irreparable damage.
They have asked the court to balance her rights against the state’s power to fight corruption.
“This Court is enjoined to balance the economic right of the affected persons against the State’s power to fight corruption.”
“It is the Applicants’ considered view that they would suffer irreparable harm if the Respondent is not restrained pending the final determination of the substantive matter.”
The former minister has also refuted allegations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor that she has an undeclared real estate business.
According to her, the OSP has not provided any evidence of that claim.
The court document filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor said Cecilia Abena Dapaah “was engaged in undisclosed and undeclared real estate business in which she obscured and concealed the transactions by employing the use of aliases to avoid detection of the actual ownership of the business and properties, while cleverly receiving proceeds of the transactions in her bank account and investments.”
This is part of OSP’s attempt to confirm the seizure of suspected tainted properties belonging to Madam Dapaah.
Meanwhile, OSP has also failed to declare her income and property.
According to the statement of offence filed at the High Court on Friday, October 6, Cecilia Dapaah failed to with a notice declare her property served on Monday, July 24 within 30 days as stated in the OSP Act.
The OSP says this is a contravention of the OSP Act and that she must be punished for it.
“Cecilia Abena Dapaah, 68 years, 25 August 2023, in Accra in the Greater Accra Region of the Republic of Ghana and within the jurisdiction of this Court, being a suspect under investigation for corruption and corruption-related offences including using public office for profit in respect of suspected tainted large cash sums reportedly stolen from your residential premises and also retrieved from same by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, without lawful excuse, failed, within 30 days, to comply with a notice to declare your property and income served on you by the Special Prosecutor on 24 July 2023 under regulation 20(1) per Forms 1A and 1B of the First Schedule of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (Operations) Regulations, 2018 (L.I. 2374) as specified in regulation 20(2) and Form 21 of the First Schedule of the Ofice of the Special Prosecutor (Operations) Regulations, 2018 (L.I. 2374).”
After complying with a court order to return seized assets due to suspicions of corruption, the OSP re-seized the funds and requested court confirmation.
In a sworn affidavit, Dapaah strongly denied any wrongdoing and challenged the claim that the seized funds were tainted. She explained that the money came from an account established to receive funeral donations for her late brother and was appropriately named “The Late Nana Akwasi Essan,” for which she was a signatory.
Furthermore, she clarified that the transferred funds were intended to cover her late brother’s children’s school fees.
“That money was being transferred from my deceased brother’s account into my account when the truth is that funds were transferred from Cal Bank from an account in the name “The Late Nana Akwasi Essan” to which I am a signatory. This account was opened with funeral donations collected by Cal Bank at my late brother’s funeral.
“The correct account name is conspicuously stated in Applicant’s Exhibit OSP18 and the Applicant could easily have ascertained the mandate on the account from Cal Bank. The funds are transferred to me for payment of the school fees of my late brother’s children,” she stated in her affidavit.
Background
On September 11, the OSP filed a second motion to investigate funds suspected to be tainted property. This action followed the initial seizure of $590,000.00 and GHS 2,862,007 from Cecilia Dapaah’s residence on July 24, 2023, after a news report suggested that individuals had stolen $1,000,000.00 from her home.
On August 31, 2023, an Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Edward Twum, dismissed the OSP’s initial attempt to confirm the seizure of Dapaah’s assets and the freezing of her bank accounts due to suspicions of tainted property.
In response to the court’s order to return Dapaah’s assets within seven (7) days, the OSP announced on September 5, 2023, that it had complied but subsequently re-seized her properties to aid ongoing investigations. They cited reasonable grounds to believe that the cash sums remained tainted property and explained that the second seizure aimed to prevent loss, concealment, or dissipation during the ongoing investigation.
The OSP’s application was originally scheduled to be heard at the High Court on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. However, Victoria Barth, a lawyer representing Ms. Dapaah, has filed an application to expedite the hearing of the application. This request for an abridgment of time is set to be heard on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.
The legal representatives of individuals who have been arrested in connection with the alleged money theft case involving Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, have expressed concerns regarding their clients’ inability to meet the requirements for their bail bonds.
An Accra Circuit Court has granted bail to four out of the seven accused persons in this case. Mr. Augustine Gyamfi, who served as legal counsel for Sarah Agyei, the second accused individual, conveyed that their clients were not deliberately avoiding complying with the court’s bail conditions; rather, they were encountering difficulties in interpreting and meeting those conditions.
Consequently, the legal team sought a modification of the bail terms and resubmitted their bail application. The court, presided over by Mrs. Afia Owusua Appiah, advised the lawyers to formally file applications for bail variation while providing comprehensive information about the proposed sureties.
The court also recalled instances where individuals, upon being granted bail, had absconded, highlighting the importance of prudently handling such cases. Earlier, the court had instructed the Registrar of the Family and Juvenile Unit to furnish the court with the record of proceedings pertaining to Patience Botwe, the first accused person, within seven days. This was to determine whether she had already been granted bail by the Family and Juvenile Court.
The court emphasized the need for a professional approach to the matter and underscored its commitment to upholding the rule of law, despite external pressures. It pointed out that multiple allegations had been made, and public sentiment should not sway the legal proceedings, as people’s lives were at stake. The court urged the lawyers to prioritize the legal process over public sentiment in their handling of the case.
The trial judge made this statement in response to Mr. Raymond Felli, who was serving as counsel for Yahaya Sumaila, urging the court to instruct the prosecution to refrain from seeking adjournments and to provide clarity on the case.
Shortly after the judge’s remarks, Mr. Felli issued an apology and retracted his comments against the prosecution.
Following these developments, the court proceeded to grant bail to Malik Dauda, the fourth accused in the case, setting the bail amount at GHC100,000 and requiring two sureties to substantiate their ability to meet the bail conditions. Additionally, the sureties were mandated to reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
The prosecution, led by Akosua Agyapong Agyeman, a State Attorney, explained that the investigators had already submitted the case file to the Attorney General’s (AG) office but had not yet received a response. She expressed her intention to follow up on the matter with the AG’s office and requested the court to instruct the defense counsel to formally present the bail variation for her to address.
Patience Botwe and Christiana Achab, both nursing mothers, along with Job Pomary and Malik Dauda, have been granted bail in this case. However, Sarah Agyei, Benjamin Sowa, and Yahaya Sumaila have not been admitted to bail. Additionally, Franklin Sarakpo is reportedly at large. All of the accused individuals are facing a total of eleven charges related to alleged theft of money and items from the former Minister’s residence.
These charges encompass six counts of stealing and five counts of dishonestly receiving stolen property. Earlier, the prosecution, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Emmanuel Nyamekye, indicated that the fact and charge sheets had been amended.
Meanwhile, the court has discharged Kwaku Botwe, who is the father of Patience Botwe, also known as Maabena. The prosecution has noted that one of the accused, Franklin Sarakpo, remains at large.
The complainants in this case are Mr. Daniel Osei Kufour and his wife, Mrs. Cecilia Abena Dapaah, who reside in Abelemkpe, Accra. According to the prosecution, the first accused, Patience Botwe, worked as a house helper for the complainants, while the second accused, Sarah Agyei, was unemployed and had previously worked as a house helper for the couple.
The third accused, Benjamin Sowah, was romantically involved with Patience Botwe, the fourth accused, Malik Dauda, was the former boyfriend of the first accused, and the fifth accused is Christiana Achab, a trader. The court learned that the sixth accused is Job Pomary, who is the husband of the fifth accused, and the seventh accused, Yahaya Sumaila, is an excavator operator residing in Sagnarigu, Tamale Metropolis. Franklin Sarakpo, the eighth accused, is the son of the fifth accused and is currently evading arrest.
The prosecution has explained that the police initiated investigations after the complainants reported the theft of their cash and personal belongings in June 2023. These investigations led to the apprehension of the first and third accused individuals at their hideouts in Tamale, Northern Region. During a search of their premises, the police discovered $40,000 and GHC7,619.70.
The prosecution added that further investigation revealed that when Mr. Kufour returned home from town in October of the previous year, he noticed that their bedroom had been opened and heard unusual noises in the house. Upon entering the room, he encountered the first accused hiding behind the storeroom door with duplicate keys to the master bedroom.
Subsequently, the complainants realized that money and personal items had been stolen from the room. During police interrogation, the first accused confessed to giving $70,000 of the stolen money to the fifth accused to purchase a three-bedroom property in Amrahia, as well as various brand-new items that were later recovered from the house.
The case has been adjourned to October 3, 2023, for further proceedings.
Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has suggested that former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, may not recover her funds held by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), despite a recent High Court ruling.
Kpebu explained that numerous legislations grant the OSP authority to retain the money and maintain the freeze on her bank accounts. He shared these insights during a discussion with the media on Saturday, September 2.
In a development from last Thursday, the Financial Division of the Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Edward Twum, denied the OSP’s request to confirm the freezing of Madam Abena Dapaah’s bank accounts. Additionally, the court rejected an order for the seizure of her assets.
Justice Twum determined that there was no valid basis for seizing the property, as the OSP had incorrectly applied the law and lacked substantial grounds to freeze the suspect’s bank accounts.
He deemed the OSP’s actions to be speculative and influenced by public sentiment, suggesting inadequate investigative efforts.
Consequently, the court ordered the OSP to release the property and accounts within seven days.
However, Mr. Kpebu disagreed with the judge’s decision to hold the OSP accountable for the seven-day period.
He explained that, in certain cases, even when the law specifies a time frame for filing a defense, the court may accept non-compliance and instead impose costs.
He stressed that the judge should have been aware of this principle.
Kpebu emphasized the courts’ preference for enforceable orders and suggested that the OSP could employ various legal mechanisms to retain the funds.
He argued that Madam Dapaah might not regain access to the money, given the available legal tools at the OSP’s disposal.
Currently, the OSP is in possession of $590,000 and GH¢2.73 million discovered during a search at Madam Abena Dapaah’s residence in Abelemkpe.
An Accra High Court has rejected the request made by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to freeze the bank accounts and assets belonging to former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
Justice Edward Twum, presiding over the case, ruled that the OSP had violated the Special Prosecutor Act (Act 959) by filing the application beyond the stipulated timeframe.
Furthermore, the court pointed out that the OSP had doubts about the true ownership of the former Minister’s property and failed to convince the court of the alleged tainted nature of these assets.
The court remarked, “If the applicant was uncertain about the ownership of the funds, it should not have proceeded to freeze the properties assumed to be tainted.” It emphasized that ownership and possession of “tainted property” were not synonymous.
The court found no valid grounds to justify the OSP‘s freezing of the respondent’s bank account and concluded that the OSP had misapplied its authority.
It deemed the OSP’s application as being based on public sentiment and therefore lacking legal justification.
As a result, the court ordered the OSP to return the confiscated assets to Madam Dapaah within seven days.
This legal dispute arose from a criminal case known as the Republic versus Patience Botwe and four others. The accused individuals, including household staff, were alleged to have stolen $1 million and 300,000 Euros from the former Minister’s residence and her husband’s property in Abelemkpe, Accra, between July and October 2022.
The OSP asserted that during searches, they discovered cash totaling $590,000 and GHC2,730,000 at the Abelemkpe residence of the former Minister. The OSP justified the seizure of these funds as a preventive measure to deter the concealment of potentially illicit assets.
Additionally, the Attorney General had directed the Director General of the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service to investigate the “true ownership and sources of the amounts reportedly stolen from the residence of the respondent (Cecilia Dapaah),” as stated in a directive issued on July 31, 2023. The OSP argued that this directive validated its inquiries into the source of the large sums of money associated with the former Minister.
In pursuit of these investigations, the OSP sought a freezing order against Cecilia Dapaah’s bank accounts and investments at Prudential Bank Limited and Société Générale Ghana, citing relevant legal provisions.
On July 24, 2023, the OSP had arrested Cecilia Dapaah on charges related to corruption. In her defense, Cecilia Dapaah, through her legal representation, contended that the funds found at her residence were the result of her past employment, pensions, investments, and inheritances from deceased relatives.
The court concluded that the OSP had violated Act 959 and lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the applicant’s breach of the law.
Moreover, it found that the OSP could not rely on the Attorney General’s directive to the CID to determine the ownership of the money, as the OSP failed to substantiate its claims in this regard.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has reassured its dedication to conducting a comprehensive inquiry into the substantial funds held in the bank accounts of former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah.
The OSP in response to a court order to return all seized properties of Cecilia Dapaah within seven days stated that the office would undergo all necessary legal processes to ensure Cecilia Dapaah’s money does not disappear.
The OSP declared these in a press statement yesterday, Thursday, August 31, 2023, signed by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng.
“The OSP assures the public that it will take all necessary legal steps to ensure that the seized amounts and the balances in Ms. Dapaah’s bank accounts and investments are neither concealed, lost, or otherwise dissipated, “part of the statement reads.
Meanwhile, the OSP has stated that it disagrees with the seven-day ultimatum given by the court to return Cecilia Dapaah’s properties to her.
The OSP added that contrary to the court’s claim that the application of the seizure and freezing orders filed by the OSP was done out of time, the said application was filed within the statutory time frame.
The OSP also added that it followed the right procedures to freeze and seize the properties of Cecilia Dapaah.
“Further, the freezing order was effected to aid the investigation, as required by law, not on the basis of the investigation, as indicated by the Court. Therefore, it cannot be said that the OSP did not carry out proper investigations to warrant the freezing order. The investigation has only commenced, and it is ongoing,” the statement added.
Madame Cecilia Dapaah has been in a legal tussle with the OSP after the institution froze her assets, including her bank accounts.
She is currently under investigation by the OSP for corruption and corruption-related offences after two of her house helps have been charged for stealing more than $1 million, €300,000 in cash and other valuable items from her residence at Abelemkpe.
A politician has been caught in Gabon with a substantial amount of cash at their residence, mirroring the situation involving Cecilia Dapaah.
Recall that Cecilia Dapaah was recently in the news following reports of a theft case at her home, involving allegations that her house staff had stolen significant amounts of money. Subsequently, there were also reports indicating that the Office of the Special Prosecutor discovered additional funds at her residence after conducting a search in her apartment.
A similar event has occurred in Gabon. Two videos have rapidly circulated in the wake of the announcement of the August 30, 2023 coup in Gabon.
The more contentious video depicted a purported substantial cash find within the residence of a detained politician.
Various reports have associated the seized funds with one of the seven politicians held in custody by the junta, facing allegations of treason, money laundering, corruption, and other accusations.
Others have even alluded to the monies having been found at the home of president Ali Bongo himself, which according to experts is farfetched.
GhanaWeb is unable to independently authenticate the ownership of the funds especially as neither the junta nor the media have reported on it.
What the video contained:
In the 23-second video, about a dozen big travel suitcases have been flung open and each one is filled with bundles of cash to the brim.
From what this reporter saw, the bundles are largely untouched with their polythene wrapper and are likely to have been dispatched from the central bank or a holding point.
The officials inspecting the sums include one in simple clothes whiles another, dressed like a member of the security agency is also sighted.
There are armed security men also captured in the video.
Some experts have warned that in times like this, such amounts could be planted at homes of politicians as a way of implicating them for trumped-up charges by adversaries who may be in position of power.
Verification:
In order to be sure that the particular video has not at any point been circulated online, GhanaWeb did a video verification using InVid WeVerify software.
From our findings, the video has not previously been uploaded online. A further search of screenshots from the video did not return any old matches via Google Reverse Image and Tin Eye searches.
The other video was a 53-second video of the ousted president, Ali Bongo, confirming the coup whiles calling for allies across the world to make “noise.”
It generated considerable reaction from people who slammed him for being desperate about power and holding on despite failing health.
Almost all media channels across the world have use it in full or in part for their reports on the situation in Gabon.
Other videos that gained popularity were the formal announcement of the coup plus the announcement of Brice Oligui Nguema as head of the transition.
Joy News has responded to former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah, making it clear that there was no ethical or professional misconduct in reporting on the issues relating to her frozen bank accounts.
The former Sanitation Minister had written to Joy News demanding a retraction and an apology after we published verified facts regarding the sum of transactions assessed by investigators on two of her bank accounts over a period.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor is investigating the former minister for corruption and corruption-related offences. It is seeking to confirm in the high court the seizure of $590,000 and GHȼ2,730,000 million Ghana cedis found in her home upon a search.
The OSP is also seeking to confirm the freezing of her accounts. Joy News had reported that two of the accounts held $5 million and 48 million cedis, being the value of transactions assessed by investigators over a period.
In a reply to Madam Dapaah, Joy News through its lawyers stated, “The complained reportage, regarding the said two figures (amounts), is based on facts in the matter, the subject of the said criminal investigations.”
“That said amounts, as duly clarified in specific publications by our client, represent the value of transactions on those bank accounts over a period, the subject of an application by the OSP for the confirmation of a freezing order in court,” the lawyers said.
The letter ends by stating that “staff of our client will continue, in the public interest, to exercise their profession pursuant to editorial policy and the Constitution of Ghana.”
NPP flagbearer hopeful and Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, has expressed his opinions regarding the purported misappropriation of funds valued at US$1 million, €300,000, and 350,000 Ghana cedis from the former residence of Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the ex-Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources.
During an interview on TV3 on August 16, 2023, Agyapong highlighted that the money allegedly stolen from the minister could have significant political consequences for the party’s image.
He compared the situation to that of a former Deputy Minister of Communications Victoria Hammah, who according to him was chastised by the public for mentioning her ambition to earn one million dollars.
Agyapong stated that he, personally, was not in a position to advise colleagues who believe that with his blunt nature, he will give them unpalatable advice.
He added “You see, whether we like it or not it is going to affect NPP, I will speak the truth, I’m firm when Victoria Hammah mentioned that if she makes one million dollars, she is going to do ABCD.
“Look at how Ghanaians chastised her, so, the one who just said if I get and the one who has it, so it is a big problem, we cannot run away from it.
“We cannot, I am telling you, that is the truth, whoever is watching or listening …I know there will be backslash but God knows I have spoken the truth,” he added.
Cecilia Dapaah has since July 22 resigned her ministerial position and has been arrested and released on bail by the Special Prosecutor after a search was conducted at her residence.
The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyabeng, and his team further initiated a corruption and corruption-related investigation against Madam Cecilia Dapaah following the alleged theft case.
Further searches at her residence particularly at Abelemkpe discovered additional physical $590, 000 and over GHc2.73 million.
Following from that, the OSP has taken steps by freezing certain bank and investment accounts of the former Minister and is seeking a confirmation order from the High Court in Accra, however, Lawyers of the embattled minister have told the High Court that monies found in the Abelemkpe residence of their client do not mean, she owned them.
In what they described as an “arbitrary exercise of powers,” of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) “based on nothing more than suspicion fuels by misrepresentation of facts and resultant media frenzy,” Madam Cecilia Dapaah’s lawyers said, the application from the OSP should be dismissed.
On the other hand, The OSP has reportedly arrested the husband of Cecilia Dapaah, Daniel Osei Kuffour, in the ongoing investigations.
According to a news report by citinewsroom.com, the arrest of Daniel Osei Kuffour was disclosed during the court hearing on Thursday, August 17, 2023, on the confirmation of the freeze order of Cecilia Dapaah’s bank account and the $590,000 and GHC 2,730,000 found at her house in Abelemkpe.
Dr. Isidore Tuffour, who represented the OSP, told the court that Daapah’s husband had been placed under arrest after the judge presiding over the case asked why she is the only person being investigated.
The lawyer for Cecilia Dapaah, however, indicated that they are not aware of the arrest of their client’s husband.
Ghanaian artist and social media personality, Efia Odo, has added her perspective to the Cecilia Dapaah controversy.
Earlier in July 2023, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the former minister for sanitation, found herself in hot water after court records showed that two of her househelps were in court for allegedly stealing up to 1 million dollars in cash, £300,000, and a variety of clothing and jewellery valued at thousands of cedis.
The expose led to investigations into the source of her monies by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) leading to a search of her houses and the discovery of $590,000 and Gh¢2.7 million at her Abelemkpe residence.
Taking to her Twitter (now X) handle, she chastised the sanitation minister for not investing in her looks despite all the money she incurred, adding that her wigs were not of good quality.
“All that money and still couldn’t buy a good wig. Wig stiffer than wood,” Efia Odoposted.
Her post, however, didn’t go down well with many followers, with many saying she was shallow-minded.
An amount of $5 million and GH¢40 million were found in two different bank accounts belonging to embattled former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources Cecilia Dapaah.
This revelation was made by private legal practitioner and anti-corruption crusader Martin Kpebu.
“The freezing is super-duper because of this current situation and the money involved. There were whispers of it in town following the search of the former Minister’s house.
“What I am hearing is that they have found $5 million in her account and found GH¢40 million in another,” Kpebu added echoing a reportage by Accra-based TV3 of amounts found in the said accounts, that report has, however, been pulled down.
Lawyer Martin Kpebu has expressed excitement at steps being taken by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) with respect to the case involving former sanitation minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
Reacting on Accra-based Citi FM on August 09, 2023; to reports that te former minister’s accounts had been frozen, Kpebu said it was the right way to go, stressing that it was time for the embattled politician to speak but also for other relevant tax authorities to activate their processes.
“Though we have to wait for investigations to unravel the facts, I believe that the monies they have discovered in her accounts are likely proceeds of corruption. Rumours of her owning restaurants, cosmetic companies, and other hosts of companies may be palpable lies,” he added.
The Cecilia Dapaah case is currently before a Circuit Court where seven persons are facing a total of fourteen charges relating to stealing and receipt of stolen proceeds.
The main accused are two former house helps who are alleged to have stolen a million dollars, 300,000 euros and 350,000 cedis belonging to their former employer along with other assorted items.
The news broke on July 20 after it was reported by The Chronicle newspaper. Ms. Dapaah has since resigned as minister, been arrested and bailed by the OSP and is still under investigations.
Meanwhile, the Attorney-General’s Office is set to take over the prosecution of the case of theft from the police, starting when next the Circuit Court sits.
The amended charge sheet in the Cecilia Abena Dapaah case, which was read in court earlier this week, named four additional defendants, while the court released one of them after the Attorney General’s advice to the police.
A key detail that GhanaWeb picked from the charge sheet as amended was how one of the new accused persons had received a huge sum of money from the two main accused, former house helps of Ms. Dapaah.
The fifth defendant in the case, trader Christiana Achab (A5), also involves her husband, Job Pomary (A6), and their son Franklin Sarakpo (A8), who is currently at large.
According to records, she spent close to 2 million cedis on buildings in Accra and the Northern Region for herself after allegedly receiving about 3 million cedis of the stolen proceeds.
Below is a breakdown of how she expended ‘stolen’ monies she received
Police said A5 knowingly received Two million, Eight Hundred and Thirty Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢2,830,000.00) of the stolen money from A1.
With the said proceeds, she purchased an eleven-unit chamber and hall self-contain house at Budumburam at the cost of Eight Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢800,000.00) for herself.
A5 and A6 also purchased a four-bedroom house at Kokrobite at the cost of Two Hundred and Eighty Thousand Cedis (GH¢280,000.00) for A5.
A5 called A7 from Tamale and purchased a three-bedroom self-contained house at Amrahia at the cost of Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand Cedis (GH¢850,000.00) in the name of A7.
The seventh accused is Yahya Sumaila, an excavator operator in Tamale.
Another expense A5 undertook was to buy a three-bedroom house at Aplaku at the cost of Three Hundred Thousand Cedis (GH¢300,000.00) also for A1.
One of the alleged domestic workers of former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resource Cecilia Dapaah has spoken for the very first time.
In July 2023, news of some domestic workers of the then minister allegedly stealing sums of US$1million, €300,000 and GH¢350,000 broke.
The former minister and her husband are also said to have suffered material losses including GH¢95,000 worth of clothes, US$35,000 handbags, US$1,400 assorted perfumes, US$95k assorted jewelries and GH¢95,000 worth of assorted Kente.
But a recorded voice seem to have different narration about the whole escapade.
The recorded audio tape purported to be voice of Sarah–one of the two domestic workers of former Sanitation minister Cecilia Dapaah–has surfaced for the first since stories of the hefty sum looted from the former Minister’s house broke.
In the recorded audio uploaded on video streaming social media platform, YouTube, Sarah is heard making some scandalous revelation about the former Minister.
According to the voice alleged to be Sarah’, she returned a total of $1.8 million toCecilia Dapaah as well the house she bought with the looted cash.
This amount mentioned is far bigger than total sum of dollars reportedly stolen room the former Minister’s house casting further doubt on how much exactly was the former MP and Minister hoarding in her house.
Full transcript of the leaked tape;
On Tuesday, the woman(Cecilia Dapaah) called me and my guy to come to her house. So when we went to the house, as for me, I know that we are going to beg her, because, you said that your money and I have come to put your money down.
So Why? So we are going to beg her. When we went there, the woman poured hot water, pepper and used that wooden spoon they use to cook (banku ta) to beat me. And later on she took me to the police station, and they arrested me again.
And I was in the cells for about 2 weeks, and they took me to court. When they took me to court and court also gave me remand two weeks. I was in remand [for] about one month, before the court discharged the case, and they took me to another court.
I took some of the money and went to Tamale, so when I was in Tamale, she called me back again to come. When I came, she gave me $1.8m, that I should take. After my guy asked me where did I get the money, but I did not answer him. I said one of the people I am working with gave me the money.
And he said okay, he wanted to buy a car in Accra here, so I should give the money to him to buy a car. And okay, I gave the money to him to go and buy the car. When he went to buy the car, about 3 weeks [later], they came to arrest me in Tamale. When they came to arrest me, I was pregnant. It was one week.
All the money, the lady gave me, I have given all to them. Including the house. And the house too, I gave the money to a girl to buy for me, and then it is not my name on the papers, I don’t know why, and I am not seeing the lady too. I don’t know where she is now.
A leaked tape, purported to be the voice of one of the maids of former sanitation minister Cecilia Dapaah, has revealed shocking details about her interactions with Madam Dapaah before the issue of her alleged theft made headlines.
According to the audio, released on GH Pages TV’s YouTube channel, a voice that reportedly belongs to one of the accused maids, is heard detailing how Cecilia Dapaah treated her when she responded to the former’s summon to visit her house.
This was after she had stolen the money.
The maid claimed that Ms Dapaah poured hot water laced with pepper on her and beat her up with a wooden spatula.
“On Tuesday, the woman called me and my guy to come to her house. So when we went to the house, as for me, I know that we are going to beg her, because you said that your money and I have come to put your money down.
So why? So we are going to beg her. When we went there, the woman poured hot water, pepper and used that wooden spoon they use to cook (banku ta) to beat me.”
She also said that Madam Dapaah took her to the police station and had her arrested. She said she spent about a month in remand before the case was dismissed and later submitted to another court.
“And later on she took me to the police station, and they arrested me again. And I was in the cells for about two weeks, and they took me to court. When they took me to court, the court also gave me remand for two weeks. I was in remand [for] about one month, before the court discharged the case, and they took me to another court.”
None of the parties involved in this case have responded to the authenticity of the audio or its content.
So far, two more persons have been arrested by the police in Tamale in connection with the stealing of various sums of money from Ms Dapaah’s home. The case has been adjourned to August 8, 2023, as the court continues its proceedings to determine the fate of the accused individuals.
A transcript of the leaked tape;
On Tuesday, the woman called me and my guy to come to her house. So when we went to the house, as for me, I know that we are going to beg her, because, you said that your money and I have come to put your money down.
So Why? So we are going to beg her. When we went there, the woman poured hot water, pepper and used that wooden spoon they use to cook (banku ta) to beat me. And later on she took me to the police station, and they arrested me again.
And I was in the cells for about 2 weeks, and they took me to court. When they took me to court and court also gave me remand two weeks. I was in remand [for] about one month, before the court discharged the case, and they took me to another court.
I took some of the money and went to Tamale, so when I was in Tamale, she called me back again to come. When I came, she gave me $1.8m, that I should take. After my guy asked me where did I get the money, but I did not answer him. I said one of the people I am working with gave me the money.
And he said okay, he wanted to buy a car in Accra here, so I should give the money to him to buy a car. And okay, I gave the money to him to go and buy the car. When he went to buy the car, about 3 weeks [later], they came to arrest me in Tamale. When they came to arrest me, I was pregnant. It was one week.
All the money, the lady gave me, I have given all to them. Including the house. And the house too, I gave the money to a girl to buy for me, and then it is not my name on the papers, I don’t know why, and I am not seeing the lady too. I don’t know where she is now.
It has emerged that the Police first filed charges at the Juvenile Court after being prompted by former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, over some missing money from her residence at Abelempke.
This information is said to have been excluded from the details the Police provided to the Attorney General’s office over the matter.
Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah Yeboah has stated that the Attorney General’s office was not furnished with the full details surrounding the missing cash from the home of former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, by the Police Service.
A recent report by JoyNews shed light on new documents indicating a comprehensive investigation conducted by the police in 2022.
According to these documents, on October 4, 2022, Cecilia Dapaah issued a warning to a member of her domestic staff, cautioning them against accessing specific rooms within the residence during their employment.
Despite this warning, on October 6, 2022, the staff member breached these instructions and was apprehended by Dapaah’s husband, Daniel Kuffuor.
Subsequently, Kuffuor reported the incident to the Tesano Police Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit, initiating an official complaint.
Upon Dapaah’s return on October 10, she conducted an inventory to identify the missing items from her room. The items included Kente cloth, women’s clothing, jewelry, and an undisclosed sum of money.
Subsequently, the police gathered a statement from the young suspect and proceeded to file appropriate charges. Later, on October 26, 2022, the suspect was presented before the Circuit Court. However, due to inconsistencies in determining her age, she was released and subsequently re-apprehended, with fresh charges being pressed in the Juvenile Court.
In spite of the initial charges being relatively minor, such as unlawful entry and entering premises for unlawful purposes, the suspect faced more serious accusations, including the theft of unspecified funds, as per the documented list of missing items.
Curiously, the obtained documents did not make reference to the alleged theft of 1 million dollars, suits, and other sums in Ghana cedis.
These allegations came to light in court filings against the same suspect and four accomplices in July 2023, all related to the original theft that took place in October 2022.
Fresh and rather shocking details surrounding the monies stolen from former Santitation and Water Resources Cecilia Abena Dapaah has emerged.
In July 2023, news of some domestic workers of the then minister allegedly stealing sums of US$1million, €300,000 and GH¢350,000 broke.
The former minister and her husband are also said to have suffered material losses including GH¢95,000 worth of clothes, US$35,000 handbags, US$1,400 assorted perfumes, US$95k assorted jewelries and GH¢95,000 worth of assorted Kente.
But a recorded voice tape seem to have different narration about the whole escapade.
The recorded audio tape purported to be voice of Sarah–one of the two domestic workers of former Sanitation minister Cecilia Dapaah–has surfaced for the first since stories of the hefty sum looted from the former Minister’s house broke.
In the recorded audio uploaded on video streaming social media platform, YouTube, Sarah is heard making some scandalous revelation about the former Minister.
According to the voice alleged to be Sarah’, she returned a total of $1.8 million to Cecilia Dapaah as well the house she bought with the looted cash.
This amount mentioned is far bigger than total sum of dollars reportedly stolen room the former Minister’s house casting further doubt on how much exactly was the former MP and Minister hoarding in her house.
Full transcript of the leaked tape;
On Tuesday, the woman called me and my guy to come to her house. So when we went to the house, as for me, I know that we are going to beg her, because, you said that your money and I have come to put your money down.
So Why? So we are going to beg her. When we went there, the woman poured hot water, pepper and used that wooden spoon they use to cook (banku ta) to beat me. And later on she took me to the police station, and they arrested me again.
And I was in the cells for about 2 weeks, and they took me to court. When they took me to court and court also gave me remand two weeks. I was in remand [for] about one month, before the court discharged the case, and they took me to another court.
I took some of the money and went to Tamale, so when I was in Tamale, she called me back again to come. When I came, she gave me $1.8m, that I should take. After my guy asked me where did I get the money, but I did not answer him. I said one of the people I am working with gave me the money.
And he said okay, he wanted to buy a car in Accra here, so I should give the money to him to buy a car. And okay, I gave the money to him to go and buy the car. When he went to buy the car, about 3 weeks [later], they came to arrest me in Tamale. When they came to arrest me, I was pregnant. It was one week.
All the money, the lady gave me, I have given all to them. Including the house. And the house too, I gave the money to a girl to buy for me, and then it is not my name on the papers, I don’t know why, and I am not seeing the lady too. I don’t know where she is now.
Two more suspects have been taken into custody in relation to the alleged theft of valuables and cash from the home of Cecilia Abena Dapaah, a former minister of sanitation and water resources, and her husband, Mr. Daniel Osei Kuffour.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Emmanuel Nyamekye revealed this information in the Accra Circuit Court presided over by Afia Owusu Appiah. With these recent arrests, the total number of suspects detained in the case has reached seven.
Main suspects The two main suspects — Patience Botwe, 18, and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei, have already been charged with conspiracy to commit crime and five counts of stealing while three others — Benjamin Sowah, Kwaku Botwe and Malik Dauda, have been charged with dishonestly receiving the alleged stolen money.
The two main suspects are alleged to have stolen personal effects of Madam Dapaah, including assorted clothes valued at GH¢95,000, handbags, perfumes and jewellery worth $95,000.
Additionally, Ms Botwe is accused of stealing six pieces of Kente cloth worth GH¢90,000 and six sets of men’s suits valued at $3,000, belonging to the former minister’s husband.
Meanwhile, the second accused, Sarah Agyei, a lactating mother, who has already been granted bail in the sum of GH¢1million with two sureties two weeks ago, has still not been able to execute the bail conditions.
Proceedings All five accused persons were absent when the case was called.
DSP Nyamekye told the court that the accused persons were absent because police investigators had travelled to Tamale where they made the two new arrests, hence their inability to bring the five accused persons.
He added that investigations were still ongoing in that jurisdiction.
The prosecutor further said that the Attorney-General had indicated his intention to take over the prosecution of the case and, therefore, prayed the court for a short adjournment to enable them to put their house in order.
A prayer for bail by Counsel for the accused was turned down by the court.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to August 8, 2023, and ordered the prosecution to ensure that the accused persons were brought to court at the next adjourned date.
Brief facts According to the amended charge sheet and brief facts presented in court, Ms Botwe, also known as Maabena, was a house help of the complainants, Daniel Osei Kuffour and wife, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
The court heard that Ms Agyei was also a former house help of the complainants.
The complainants reported the case to the police in June this year, after detecting the theft of cash and personal effects.
Ms Botwe was caught entering the couple’s room with a duplicate key.
Upon arrival, Mr Kuffour found Ms Botwe hiding behind the door.
The complainants later realised that some of their money and properties were missing.
Ms Botwe was subsequently arrested and released on police enquiry bail but went into hiding with her boyfriend, Benjamin, in Tamale where they allegedly rented a 3-bedroom apartment and a store.
An amount of $40,000 and GH¢72,619.70 was retrieved from the apartment.
Ms Botwe allegedly used the stolen money to buy a 3-bedroom house, a double-decker refrigerator, a water dispenser, a television set, a washing machine, and a chest cooler, among other items.
She also bought a Hyundai Elantra for Benjamin, who later sold it to purchase a Honda Civic.
Ms Botwe was also alleged to have given her father GH¢50,000, and GH¢1 million to her ex-boyfriend, Malik.
During interrogation, Ms Botwe implicated Sarah as her accomplice.
Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, has expressed concerns over the conduct of former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
While he acknowledges that her actions may not be unlawful, he argues that such unethical behavior undermines public confidence in the government’s ability to safeguard public funds.
Cecilia Abena Dapaah is currently under investigation by the Special Prosecutor for allegedly having over 1 million dollars, 300,000 euros, and millions of Ghana Cedis stolen from her residence by her house helps.
In response to the approval of Cynthia Naa Koshie Lamptey as the Deputy Special Prosecutor, the former Minority Leader urges a review of the asset declaration regime to address incidents like these.
Haruna Iddrisu emphasizes the need to tackle graft and unethical behavior, even if not necessarily unlawful, due to the high office held by individuals involved.
He calls on Parliament to take action by revising criminal legislation and thoroughly reviewing the assets declaration process.
The lack of transparency regarding who possesses what assets and how they were acquired raises concerns and diminishes public trust, particularly when MPs and ministers of state are involved in questionable conduct.
In light of the situation with Cecilia Abena Dapaah, MP Haruna Iddrisu highlights the importance of restoring public confidence in the government’s commitment to ethical governance and protecting the public purse.
The Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddirsu, has advocated for the criminalization of unexplained wealth in the country as part of the fight against corruption.
During a parliamentary discussion on August 1, he stressed the importance of declaring assets to assess whether a person’s income aligns with their earnings.
“I have argued that probably Ghana must now look at reviewing our legislation, criminalizing unexplained wealth, and shifting the burden of proof on unexplained wealth to the accused person.”
Haruna Iddrisu suggested that Ghana should consider revising its legislation to criminalize unexplained wealth and shift the burden of proof onto the accused individuals.
He cited the recent case of former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, who resigned after public scrutiny over allegedly stolen cash.
Haruna emphasized that some actions may be considered immoral or unethical, but not necessarily unlawful, raising questions about the source of the law’s authority.
The case involving stolen monies amounting to $1 million, €300,000, and undisclosed Ghana Cedis is currently in court and is set to be recalled on August 2.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OPS) conducted a search at Cecilia Abena Dapaah’s residence on July 24, resulting in significant findings related to the matter.
Former Deputy Attorney General and ex-MP for Tempani, Joseph Kpemka, has urged the public to desist from criticizing the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, before the commencement of her trial.
Concerns have been raised about the source and intended use of funds, including large sums of money stolen from the minister’s house.
Kpemka emphasizes that the stolen funds may be legitimately earned income belonging to the former minister.
He cautioned against making hasty judgments, as it could impact the ongoing investigation. The former MP suggests that legislation could be introduced to criminalize hoarding large sums of money in people’s homes to address similar occurrences in the future.
“I urge all of us in our commentary not to hang the person [Cecilia Dapaah] before she’s heard. Let the processes go through. In the end, if guilt is established, we can better comment on the person’s character and integrity. It can prejudice the process, let’s allow due process to run. We should be cautious and careful in putting her in public court. She has not committed any offence by keeping money in her house.
“For now, it can be a legitimately earned income. We heard the story that she’s a hotelier, she’s a deputy minister under former president J.A. Kufuor, and she has been a minister under this government on two occasions, she does other businesses and all that. Let’s wait to hear what will come out of the investigations,” Mr Kpemka suggested.
He called for caution and carefulness in public commentary and advocates for a fair and unbiased trial process for Cecilia Dapaah.
Mr Kpemka emphasized that keeping money in one’s house is not an offense, and people should wait for the investigation’s outcome before passing judgment.
“When the issue came up and people started talking about it, I said the mere fact that you are keeping trillions of dollars on your house, will not constitute an offence. Because there’s no law in our books that would have been flouted. As a people, if we think that those occurrences are becoming one too many, and a conduit through which people perpetrate crime…then that means there’s a lacuna in our law.
“If we are discovering cash in quantities in people’s houses that are frightening, and we don’t want that to happen, legislation is the way to go. Go to parliament and legislate that if huge sums of money are found, the person is liable,” he recommended.
President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has lauded the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, for her sacrifice in resigning amid the stolen money scandal, stating that she safeguarded the New Patriotic Party (NPP) from potential embarrassment.
Concerns have been raised by various groups regarding the origin and intended use of the US$1 million, €300,000, and unspecified amounts of Ghanaian cedis allegedly stolen from Ms. Dapaah’s residence.
Reports circulated about two house helps facing court charges for supposedly stealing significant sums of money and personal belongings from the former minister and her husband.
As a result of the incident, Madam Dapaah chose to step down from her ministerial position and was later arrested by the Special Prosecutor.
Her two residential properties were searched before she was granted bail.
During an interview with the media, Mr. Cudjoe expressed his belief that her decision to resign was not only in her own interest but also a sacrifice for the entire party.
He empathized with the potential damage she could have faced due to the circulating information, emphasizing the human aspect of such situations, especially if she had not committed any wrongdoing.
Mr. Cudjoe commended the former minister for her honorable resignation and acknowledged that external pressures might have influenced her decision.
He recognized her efforts to preserve a sense of sanity amidst ongoing investigations, concluding that her resignation was well-received, and he holds no fault against her for making that choice.
“When matters of this kind happen, the damage you are likely to suffer due to the information that is out there, if you don’t take care, you could break down. We are humans, especially if it’s really the case that you haven’t done anything wrong.”
“Maybe some pressures made her resign. Ultimately, she made the decision that she could save some sanity, for now, while investigations continue. Her decision to resign was welcomed. I don’t fault her.”
Paul Adom-Otchere, the host of Metro TV’s Good Evening Ghana show, recently recounted a meeting he had with Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the former sanitation minister, and her husband at their residence in Accra. This meeting took place amidst controversy surrounding missing funds from her home.
According to Paul, he was specially invited by the former minister to her house, and they met during the day before his appearance on the July 27 edition of his show. During the meeting, one of the main topics discussed was the reports that the Office of the Special Prosecutor had conducted a five-hour search at her residence earlier that week, allegedly leading to the discovery of a fresh stash of money.
Paul asked Mrs. Dapaah about the search and whether this was the entirety of her house, to which she responded, questioning the existence of any five-hour search.
He continued to describe the meeting, mentioning that the house was built in 1976, and the Dapaahs had been living there since then. He also made a remark about the OSP, accusing them of arresting the former minister and showcasing photos and videos of her residence during the search – an allegation that the OSP denied.
During the encounter, Paul mentioned that despite facing challenges, Cecilia Dapaah was in high spirits. He shared a touching moment where the 84-year-old husband blessed him genuinely, and despite being offered food, he politely declined, appreciating her positive demeanor even in troubled times.
The encounter shed some light on the situation, but the controversy surrounding the missing funds from the former minister’s home continues to be a matter of public interest.
Member of Parliament for Suame and Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has urged for the implementation of legislation that would require individuals to keep certain amounts of money in the bank.
He made this statement in response to recent events involving a former minister who allegedly lost significant sums of money at her private residence, as two housemaids absconded with local and foreign currency, amounting to about US$1.4 million.
Former minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, has since become a subject of public discussion, with repeated calls for an investigation into the source of the said funds.
In an interview on Accra-based Hello FM, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu stated, “I don’t subscribe to it (keeping such sums at home), but if we look closely, there is no specific law that mandates you to put your monies in the bank, there is no such law.”
He emphasized the need to introduce such a law, as it would be crucial for safeguarding people’s money. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu further added, “It is important to enact such a law. If these monies were in the bank, it would have been protected.”
Cecilia Abena Dapaah, now the former sanitation minister had reported to the police that she had lost monies amounting to a million dollars, 300,000 euros and 350,000 Ghana cedis to thieving house maids.
The two have been arrested by the police are currently facing charges of stealing along with three other beneficiaries before an Accra Circuit Court.
The minister has since resigned her ministerial position and has been arrested and released on bail by the Special Prosecutor.
Meanwhile, police have submitted the docket of the case of theft as reported by the minister and her husband to the Attorney-General for advice.
Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice has affirmed the government’s dedication to the passage of the Conduct of Public Officers Bill.
This commitment signals the administration’s focus on fostering transparency and accountability among public officers, a matter of great importance to Ghanaians and various pressure groups.
Alfred Tuah Yeboah asserts that the Bill will be passed before the current government’s term comes to an end.
According to him, for what has been so far and the discussions he has been involved in, the Bill be passed in the national interest.
In a discussion on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, July 29, Mr Tuah Yeboah urged Ghanaians to be hopeful of its passage.
“We are still committed to having that (Conduct of Public Officers Bill) passed. It is considered that it has taken a long time for Parliament to pass it, but I can give that the assurance that this government and what has been done and for what I know speaking as the Deputy Attorney-General, this bill definitely be passed.”
Already, OccupyGhana has called on the government to liaise with Parliament to pass the Conduct of Public Officers Bill to help check and regulate the wealth of persons serving in public portfolios.
The pressure group in a statement said the President must summon an emergency cabinet meeting for the sole purpose of finding ways to approve the Bill.
These calls were made on the back of reports of some stolen monies from the Abelemkpe home of former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
The Minister caused the arrest and prosecution of her domestic staff who allegedly stole monies including $1 million dollars, €300,000, several sums of Cedis, and other items from her residence.
OccupyGhana said the passage of the Bill will help check instances such as the one Madam Dapaah finds herself in but “the Government appears inexplicably unwilling or unprepared to approve the Bill and transmit it to Parliament for enactment.”
The group urged “Ghanaians, fellow Civil Society Organisations and the media, to join us in this campaign to ensure that Cabinet approves the Bill and forwards it to Parliament and that Parliament passes the Bill into law, all at the earliest times possible.”
Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame in the coming days is expected to issue advice on the Cecilia Dapaah scandal.
This is because the Ghana Police Service has forwarded the docket of the case to the Attorney General.
“Following a case of stealing reported to the police by Daniel Osei-Kuffour and Cecilia Dapaah, former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, the Police initiated investigations into the case, arrested some suspects, recovered some of the stolen items and arraigned the suspects before court.”
“Police have since forwarded the docket to the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice for review and advice,” Ghana Police Service announced in a statement.
But some Ghanaians have expressed their displeasure about the decision by the A-G.
Dr Justice Srem-Sai said until Cecilia Dapaah does that, she cannot allege inconsistencies in the figures the police have reported.
The Minister is reported to have called for the arrest and prosecution of her domestic staff who allegedly stole monies including $1 million dollars, €300,000, several cedis and other items from her private residence.
But Cecilia Dapaah in a statement dated Friday, July 21, 2023, said there are “noticeable inconsistencies between what is being discussed in the public domain and the thrust of the original complaint on the matter.”
She said she is taking steps to examine the origins of the inconsistencies and will provide a detailed response in the coming days.
But Dr Srem-Sai speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, July 29, said the amounts reported by police ought to be believed.
According to him, the police have conducted a thorough investigation into the matter.
“On the scale of who is more likely to be right with regards to the amounts involved, I think the police is more likely to be right because the police have spoken to a number and the extent to which they have gone with this investigation, I think every fair-minded person should be able to come to this basis conclusion that it is possible that the police have not information on the tracing of the money and whatever happened more than the complainant herself.”
“In any case, I’ve listened to all the discussions and read all the press releases not for once has the complainant herself come out with how much she thinks she has.
“So if you’re saying what the police are saying is not correct, you need to tell us what or how much was stolen from you. So it is not enough to just say what the police are saying is not correct,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Minister resigned from her position on Friday, July 22.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor subsequently placed her under arrest for suspected corruption and corruption-related offences and subsequently conducted a search of her home.
The OSP has said it will update the public on the completion of its investigation.
The Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) and the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) have jointly demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the alleged misappropriation of substantial amounts of money and personal belongings from the residence of former Minister of Sanitation, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
Expressing deep concern about the origin and intended purpose of the funds involved, which reportedly consist of US$1 million, €300,000, and unspecified millions of Ghanaian cedis, the organizations stated in an official statement that it is difficult to fathom how a public servant and well-known political figure could maintain such vast sums of money outside the formal banking system.
“It seems unconscionable to think of a public officer and a renowned political personality keeping such colossal amounts of money outside of the banking sector,” the groups said in a statement.
To strengthen Ghana’s asset declaration system, the groups called for the immediate enactment of the Conduct of Public Officer’s Bill, which has been pending before Cabinet for over a year without any clear commitment to its submission to parliament for consideration and approval.
“The Conduct of Public Officer’s Bill has been in front of Cabinet for more than a year without no clear commitment to having it laid before parliament for consideration and passage,” the groups said.
The GII and GACC further advocated for enhancing the Criminal Code (Amendment) Act, 2003 (Act 646) to include provisions for the reverse burden of proof when dealing with cases of illicit enrichment.
They emphasized that this particular case underscores the urgency for the Ghanaian government to enact laws that bolster the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29) and other anti-corruption legislation, incorporating the reverse burden of proof in addressing instances of illicit enrichment.
The groups called upon President Akufo-Addo to take decisive action in addressing alleged corruption cases and to demonstrate commitment to his anti-corruption stance by dispelling public perceptions of interference in corruption investigations involving individuals within his administration.
Following Dapaah’s resignation from her ministerial position on July 22, 2023, she is presently under investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor. The GII and GACC’s call for transparency seeks to ensure a thorough and fair inquiry into the matter.
Daniel Osei-Kuffour, husband of Cecilia Abena Dapaah is now a subject of national interest following reports that he and his wife were robbed off of cash including $1 million, €300,000, GH¢350,000, as well as jewellery and other valuables by their housemaids.
Many are questioning the source of the money allegedly stolen. Amid the uncertainties, it has been reported that Mr Osei-Kuffuor claims ownership of the €300,000 reportedly stolen.
For some Ghanaians, the news is not far-fetching owing to the professional life of the octogenarian.
Daniel Osei-Kuffour is said to own an architectural firm named Daniel Osei-Kuffour, Sohne and Partners he built with a friend in 1978.
The company has engaged in several pivotal projects worth millions of dollars and euros.
Let’s take a look at some major projects executed by Daniel Osei-Kuffour, Sohne and Partners.
GCB Headquarters, High Street, Accra (1998)
Daniel Osei-Kuffour, Sohne and Partners undertook the sketch design, working drawing and supervision.
This project is said to have come at a cost of GHS8 million.
Embassy premises of the Embassy of the Russian Federation (2001)
This project cost an amount of $15 million.
The project involved Embassy Complex composed of Chancery, Ambassador’s Residence, Staff Accommodation, School block and Recreational facilities. Client – Embassy of The Russian Federation.
Office building of the Canadian High Commission (2001)
The project was worth $600,000. It involved a New Immigration Building, Accra and work involved Tender Documents & Supervision.
New office of the College of Physicians and Surgeons
The project cost $3 million
Tamale Teaching Hospital (2004) – worth €35 million
This involved Sketch Design, Working Drawings & Supervision.
Brief description – Major Rehabilitation and Expansion from a Regional Hospital into a Teaching Hospital with staff Housing. The company’s client was Ministry of Health
Silver Star Tower (2003 -2006) – worth $8 million
The project involved Local Architectural support at Post Contract.
Brief description – 9-storey Motor Showrooms, offices and Bank. Client – Japan Motors Trading Company Limited.
SIC Shopping Mall, Accra (1992) – worth US$8,500,000.00
Brief description – 9 storeys Office Block with basement parking and a modern Shopping Mall with internal Plaza. Client – State Insurance Company Limited. (SIC) / THORPE ROAD PROJECT.
The Chief Justice of Ghana, Justice Gertrude Esaaba Torkornoo, has urged the nation to uphold justice for all people as a way of attracting God’s grace and blessings.
She warned that without justice and law enforcement, Ghana would face destruction and instability.
She made these remarks at the opening of the 2023 National Development Conference organised by the Church of Pentecost at the Pentecost Convention Centre at Gomoa Fetteh in the Central Region on Monday, 26 July 2023.
The two-day conference, which is on the theme: “Moral vision and national development”, brought together key personalities, stakeholders, bodies and institutions in Ghana to deliberate on critical issues on Ghana’s development.
Among the speakers attending the event were Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia; Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin; former President John Agyekum Kufuor; Former Minister of Women’s Affairs of Zimbabwe, Dr Olivia Nyembezi Muchena and Spokesperson of the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu.
Justice Torkornoo stressed that justice is a vital element for peace and stability, and that the quality of life in every nation depended on that. She pointed out that upholding the laws and investing in the building of justice delivery in a nation brings prosperity to its citizens.
“As a nation, we must work towards giving justice to all manner of persons,” she said, adding “there cannot be prosperity without peace and there cannot be peace unless people are assured that their rights will be upheld and they will not be robbed of their entitlement.”
She also spoke on the theme of the conference, saying that the judiciary does not see morality as a personal preference of a person, but as a constitutional mandate that requires the maintenance and enforcement of the highest standards of ethical conduct and the upholding of the innate need of the human soul for justice in a nation.
She said that members of the judiciary have chosen to defend the morality of a person through the power given to them by the Constitution and other government institutions.
She further said that it is her conviction that in Ghana’s diversity of ethnicity, belief systems, vocations and talents, the elements of the laws of Ghana, the rules of equity, and the innate ethical values that flow from good conscience can surely bind our hearts and minds together and assist us to arrive at a nationally accepted vision of morality.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has issued a statement in response to ‘purported reports, pictures, and videos’ circulating on social media concerning the ongoing investigation into the case of Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources.
According to the OSP, it has not released, published, or authorized the disclosure of any reports, videos, or pictures pertaining to the steps and actions taken in the investigation or the outcome of those actions.
The OSP has urged the public to disregard any such information being circulated on various platforms. The Office emphasizes that all official updates on the case will be communicated directly to the public through official channels.
The investigation into the alleged corruption and corruption-related offences involving the former Minister commenced on Thursday, July 20, 2023.
Since then, the OSP has been diligently conducting its inquiry, making significant progress in the case.
The public is assured that the OSP is committed to conducting a thorough and fair investigation to uncover the truth behind the reported incident.
Once the investigation is concluded, the OSP will promptly inform the public of its findings and any further actions to be taken in line with the law.
As the nation awaits the outcome of the investigation, the Office encourages the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to rely on official sources for updates on the matter.
Cecilia Dapaah, who served as the former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, is at the centre of the investigation regarding the alleged theft of cash sums from her residence. The case has generated significant interest and public concern, and the OSP is committed to addressing it with the utmost professionalism and impartiality.
PUBLIC NOTICE (2)
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has taken notice of purported reports, pictures and videos of the steps and actions taken in respect of the matter involving Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources. 1/ pic.twitter.com/5ju8OyxJRf
— Office of the Special Prosecutor-Ghana (@ospghana) July 26, 2023
Amid the controversy surrounding the ‘stolen’ cash from the house of former Sanitation and Water Resources Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, it was reported that part of the funds was to be used to cater for the burial of the former minister’s deceased brother.
A member of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) communications team, Clement Wilkinson, claimed that Madam Cecilia might have received donations towards the funeral ceremony.
“The company which received $43 million dollars to dredge the Odaw river could have given Cecilia Dapaah $2 million dollars in funeral donation. You know until the family meets to look at the entire donation, it would not be touched. It could be the reason the money was at her home,” he is quoted to have said.
But on 25th July 2023, Ghanaian journalist Paul Adom-Otchere during his show, Good Evening Ghana, revealed that $800,000 out of the total amount reportedly stolen belonged to Madam Dapaah’s deceased brother, Nana Akwasi Eddan II, 60, the Numuahene of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
According to Mr Adom-Otchere, the said amount was in a box given to Cecilia Dapaah by her mother, Nana Ode Nyarko II (of blessed memory) while she was alive.
“It was delivered in a box. It is the same box stolen that the mother delivered to Cecilia, that your brother has passed.
He noted that Nana Akwasi Eddan II had plans to use the fund for construction works but upon his demise as such the family found it prudent to hand the money over to Madam Dapaah due to the security she enjoyed from her position.
The late mother of Dapaah, he said stated that “He ( Nana Ode Nyarko II) left me this money for his contractor work. He said he was going to buy land at Bremang and build houses and sell. That is what he told me and that is what this money is for. So can you please take the money and call the other family people.
“I understand one of them them remarked that ‘give to to Aunty Ceci, she is a Minister and has a police officer.’ So the money was given to Aunty Ceci. She carried the money and brought it to Accra. Told her husband that ‘your brother in-laws money’. Eno (Cecilia’s mother) gave it it me and Eno died after that.
After Eno died, they buried Eno and they came to deal with it.”
Mr Adom-Otchere reports that “those brothers have also written to the police, confirming the source of this money.”
Profile of Nana Ode Nyarko II
Nana Akwasi Eddan II was a farmer, a contractor and a manufacturer of security boots, supplied in Ghana and in some West African countries like La Cote Divoire.
His company’s name is CDN Company Limited.
His funeral arrangements were as follows:
Lying in state: (Doteyie) Wednesday 27th- Thursday 28, April, 2022, at Family House – Bantama near Bantama Parliament.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has released a fresh statement in relation to the ongoing investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offenses involving Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources.
The investigation centers on substantial sums of cash that were reportedly stolen from Ms. Dapaah’s residence.
The OSP initiated the investigation on Thursday, July 20, 2023, and has since made significant progress, including the apprehension of Ms. Dapaah and searches conducted at two residential properties linked to her.
Due to recent developments and ‘new revelations’ discovered during the ongoing investigation, the OSP deemed it necessary to provide an updated statement to keep the public informed.
— Office of the Special Prosecutor-Ghana (@ospghana) July 26, 2023
The OSP emphasized that the public will be briefed on the outcome of the investigation once it is concluded.
“On Thursday 20 July 2023, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) commenced investigation into suspected corruption and corruption related offences involving the former Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah in respect of large cash sums reportedly stolen from her house.
“The OSP has, since then, taken a number of steps and actions, including placing Ms. Dapaah under arrest and conducting searches at two residential properties associated with her.
“The OSP is still conducting its investigation. The public will be briefed on the outcome of the investigation when it is concluded, including any further steps the Office may take,” the statement read.
Host of Metro TV’s Good Evening Ghana Paul Adom-Otchere has revealed that $800,000 of the money stolen from former Sanitation Minister Cecilia private residency belonged to his late brother bequeathed to his mother.
The $800,000 was handed to Madam Cecilia Dapaah for safe keeping by her mother who later passed on.
Mr Adom-Otchere claims this revelation is according to the charge sheet filed by Mrs Dapaah’s to the Ghana Police.
Only $200,000 belonged to Cecilia Dapaah and €300,000 belonged to her architect husband Daniel Osei Kufuor.
Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, has been arrested by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
This was confirmed in a statement signed by the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng dated July 24, 2023.
This follows a court case in which two house helps and others are standing trial for allegedly stealing $1 million, €300,000 and millions of cedis from her Ablekuma residence.
Two of her house helps, Patience Botwe (18) and Sarah Agyei (30), were previously charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, following the alleged incidents between July and October 2022.
Renowned governance expert, Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah, has expressed deep worry regarding President Akufo-Addo’s consistent approach to dealing with state investigative bodies concerning the recent Cecilia Dapaah’s stolen cash incident at her residence.
Following the acceptance of Madam Cecilia Dapaah’s resignation, President Akufo-Addo publicly praised her loyalty to protecting the government’s image, stating, “I am confident, like you, that, at the end of the day, your integrity, whilst in office, will be fully established.”
Speaking on Starr Today with Joshua Kodjo Mensah, the governance expert pointed out that the President should have refrained from making commendatory conclusions about Dapaah’s actions. Professor Agyeman-Duah noted that President Akufo-Addo has a history of avoiding direct accusations or levelling allegations against his appointees, and this consistency did not surprise him. However, he believed this was a missed opportunity for the President to take a high ground by simply commending Dapaah for her resignation, without preemptively assuming the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
The governance expert emphasized that the matter was still under investigation by the special prosecutor, and the conclusion was yet unknown. Making statements like the President’s might be interpreted as an attempt to influence or manipulate the investigation, potentially raising concerns about fairness and transparency.
“As the special prosecutor has set in and is going to Madam Dapaah’s house, we don’t know how the investigation is going to go. So if the President of the republic makes such a statement, then I am not surprised that people are thinking that perhaps there is going to be the clearing agent thing,” Mr. Agyeman-Duah stated.
The incident highlights the importance of preserving the principle of presumption of innocence until proven guilty and the need for public officials to remain neutral and cautious while investigations are underway. At the time of the last update in September 2021, this issue remained a subject of concern, and any further developments or statements from involved parties should be closely monitored to ensure transparency and fairness in the investigative process.
Former General Secretary of the People’s National Convention, Bernard Mornah, has made allegations that Cecilia Dapaah, the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, was compelled to resign from her position.
Mr Mornah claimed that individuals close to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, including Eugene Arhin, the Director of Communications at the Office of the President, have been implicated in more serious crimes but have not been removed from their positions.
In an interview on UTV on Monday, July 24, 2023, Mr Mornah expressed his shock at the amount of money stolen at Cecilia Dapaah’s home, suggesting that she would still be in office if she had been closer to the presidency.
“What is more painful in all of this is that this woman was forced to resign. Euguene Arhin works at the presidency; do you remember the confusion between him and his wife? Do you know the list of assets the woman (Euguene Arhin’s wife) listed?
“Just two of those assets alone exceed the amount of money that has been stolen, for which reason this woman’s resignation was put before her to sign.
“So, it is evident that if you are close to the president, you cannot be forced to resign, but if you are not close to the president, you can be forced to resign,” he said in Twi.
Cecilia Dapaah resigned following the discovery that she and her family had lost significant amounts of money and valuable items during a robbery at her residence. The court documents indicated that US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis were stolen, along with assorted clothes valued at GH¢95,000 and handbags, perfumes, and jewelry valued at US$95,000.
After her resignation, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) arrested Dapaah, suspecting her of corruption and corruption-related offenses in connection with the stolen money and items. Two house helps, Patience Botwe (18) and Sarah Agyei (30), were previously charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing for their alleged involvement in the incidents between July and October 2022.
During the same period, additional items, including six sets of kente cloth worth GHC90,000 and six sets of men’s suits valued at $3,000, belonging to Dapaah’s husband, were reported stolen.
Moreover, three other individuals, including Botwe’s current and former boyfriends and her father, are facing charges for allegedly receiving dishonestly sums of GHC1 million, GHC180,000, and GHC50,000, respectively.
The arrest by the Office of the Special Prosecutor emphasizes the seriousness of the matter and the authorities’ commitment to conducting a thorough investigation into the alleged corruption.
Hon. Freda Prempeh, who previously served as the Minister of State at the Presidency and represented Tano North in Parliament, has been chosen as the new Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources.
With this appointment, Hon. Freda Prempeh assumes the responsibility of overseeing issues pertaining to sanitation and water resources in the country.
Her appointment comes as a replacement for Hon. Cecilia Abena Dapaah, who resigned from her position as Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources.
The President accepted Hon. Cecilia Abena Dapaah’s resignation on Saturday, 22nd July 2023.
Furthermore, President Akufo-Addo, in consultation with the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, and Roads and Highways, has made additional appointments:
Hon. Mavis Nkansah Boadu, the Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways and a representative of Afigya Sekyere East in Parliament, has been appointed as the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
Hon. Thomas Mbomba, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and a Member of Parliament for Tatale/Sanguli, has been appointed as the Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways.
Private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has stated that Ghanaians should thank God for exposing the former Sanitation and Water Resources Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, as it has shed light on corrupt activities within the government.
He expressed excitement over the case, considering the significant amount of money involved and the lack of plausible explanations so far.
“In actual fact, the first thing we should be celebrating is the fact that God gave us such a case. You see how President Akufo-Addo has been denying that there is no corruption and God has handed us this case, we should be celebrating.”
“…I am excited because we have had a case where we have seen big money that so far is looking like there can’t be any plausible explanation. So, it brings excitement until she can displace the excitement…So let’s start celebrating,” he stated.
However, Prof Ransford Gyampo, a senior lecturer and political scientist at the University of Ghana, criticized President Akufo-Addo for making comments that could potentially interfere with the ongoing investigation into the scandal.
The President’s expression of hope for Madam Dapaah’s exoneration was seen as undermining the independence of the security agencies handling the investigation.
Former Gender Minister, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, also criticized President Akufo-Addo for the content of the letter accepting Ms. Dapaah’s resignation.
She demanded that the President disclose the source of the former Sanitation Minister’s wealth.
Critics of former minister of Sanitation and Water Resources Cecilia Dapaah have been roundly lambasted by attorney Maurice Ampaw for the suspected theft of funds totaling US$1 million, €300,000, and 350,000 Ghana cedis from her private property.
Ampaw claims that people criticizing the former minister are hypocrites because many Ghanaians actually have large quantities of cash stashed away in their residences.
“Today if you ask for money from any Ghanaian, the person will tell you that hthey don’t have money, but the kind of money that people are having in this country…though a lot of people are suffering, most of them have money, they are…loaded.
“The hypocrisy of Ghanaians, you are all hypocrites, the monies that you people have that you have kept in your various homes…but you people are condemning Cecilia Dapaah as if she has committed a crime. If you like let us start with every politician in this country.”
He added “Cecilia Dapaah’s US$1 million is someone’s chicken change money; someone spends much more than that money in less than one month. I was a lawyer for one of the collapsed banks and the owner disclosed to me that his wage bill alone is sixty-six billion Ghana cedis, wage bill alone, what is one million Ghana cedis?”
“Shameless people, because of propaganda even today Mahama is also doing propaganda, You, President Mahama, look at the hypocrisy of President Mahama. President Mahama US$1 million is just a day’s money for you…because today you NDC people don’t have money and you are hungry…. for how many years from 2016 until now? How many years have you been in opposition?
“You people had money from 2008 to 2012, NDC, you made money and kept them in your houses same as Cecilia Dapaah did, some of you, hypocrisy all the NDC people,” he added.
The former minister revealed why she decided to resign in her letter of resignation to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, saying that the problems with the money could have a negative impact on the government.
She did, however, point out that the theft issue in her home has been greatly overstated in many accounts.
“Since yesterday, Friday, July 21, 2023, social and traditional media have been full of stories about a court case involving a theft that took place last year in the home I live with my husband and daughter.
“The stories sought to suggest that I own various huge sums of foreign currencies and millions of Ghana cedis which have been stolen from my home. Whereas I can state emphatically that those figures do not represent correctly what my husband and I reported to the Police, I am very much aware of the import of such stories around someone in my position.
“I am resigning therefore because I do not want this matter to become a preoccupation of government and a hindrance to the work of government at such a crucial time,” parts of the letter read.
Member of Parliament for Bole, Yusif Sulemana, Yusif Sulemana, has described Cecilia Dapaah‘s resignation letter and President Akufo-Addo‘s response to it as “love letters.”
He expressed his concern that he does not perceive any seriousness in how the matter is being handled, therefore entreated the President to attach some seriousness to it.
He contended that Ghanaians expect serious investigations into the matter involving Madam Abena Dapaah.
“What we want to see is a very serious investigation. Not just that, we also expect the president to take this matter seriously.
“If you look at the kind of love letters that the two of them exchanged, for me it is worrisome. We were expecting the president to fire the woman, but he failed in doing that. The woman resigned and in her resignation letter, you could see the jovial nature of the content of the letter.
“This is an official letter, but you see her addressing the president as my dear and all of that.”
The OSP has placed the immediate past Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources Cecilia Abana Dapaah under arrest on Monday, July 24.
She is being interrogated by officers of the OSP, a statement said.
“At 11:55 GMT on 24th July 2023, Cecilia Abena Dapaah who resigned from the position of Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources on 22nd July 2023 was placed under arrest by the Office of the Special Prosecutor in respect of suspected corruption and corruption-related offenses regarding large amounts of money and valuable items reportedly stolen from her residence. Ms Dapaah is being questioned by authorized officers of the OSP,” the OSP said in the statement.
Madam Cecilia Dapaah tendered her resignation in a letter to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Saturday, July 22, barely 24 hours after news of some foreign cash stolen from her bedroom came to light.
“I intend to cooperate fully with all the state agencies to enable them fully establish the facts,” she assured in her letter.
“I have no doubt that at the end of the processes, it will be established that I have conducted myself with integrity during my period in public service and I will be fully exonerated from all the allegations,” she further said.
Madam Cecilia Dapaah was said to have kept $1 million, €300,000 and millions of undisclosed Ghana Cedis at home.
These monies were allegedly stolen by two house helps, for which they are standing trial at an Accra Circuit Court.
She had earlier indicated that there were inconsistencies with the facts and the public reports.
She, therefore, insisted in her resignation letter that the figures put out in the public domain do not correctly reflect what she and her husband submitted to the police in their statement.
The former lawmaker, however, admits she understands the import of such stories around someone of her stature.
“I am resigning, therefore, because I do not want such a matter to become a preoccupation of government and a hindrance to the work of government at such a crucial time.”
Governance Expert Professor Baffuor Agyaman-Duahhas advised all commentators to be prudent and measured in their statements concerning the matters involving former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
Prof Agyeman-Dua emphasised that there is no evidence indicating that the money in question, which has sparked controversy, was acquired through theft or money laundering.
Madam Abena Dapaah submitted her resignation on Saturday, July 22, just one day after the public discussion regarding her allegedly stolen cash.
Accepting her resignation, President Akufo-Addo described the work done by the former Bantama Member of Parliament as “excellent and productive”.
“It is with considerable regret that I accept your resignation, and I applaud your loyalty to the image and standing of the government,” he wrote on Saturday.
“The work you undertook during your period in Government was excellent and productive, and I thank you for your wholehearted contribution and devotion to the progress of the Government and the nation.”
In her resignation, Madam Abena Dapaah assured of her availability and cooperation with all state agencies to look into her matter, which she concedes has become a “hindrance” to the government at this “crucial” time.
“I have no doubt that at the end of the processes it will be established that I have conducted myself with integrity during my period in public service and I will be fully exonerated from all the allegations,” she further stated in her resignation letter.
President Akufo-Addo also expressed confidence that “at the end of the day, your integrity, whilst in office, will be fully established”.
The matter of the stolen monies – $1 million, €300,000 and millions of undisclosed Ghana Cedis – is in court. It is scheduled to be recalled on Wednesday, August 2.
Commenting on this while speaking to the press on Monday, July 24, Prof Aheymang Duah said “If I were to be the president I would be a little more careful, the president rushed in commending her for the job she does for the government and the nation as a whole because truly, Madam Cecilia Dapaah has been working public service, there is no doubt at all but when the case of this nature emerges it is important for the processes to take place before we draw conclusions.
“That is why I will even caution all the public commentators to be a little bit circumspect because there is no evidence so far that it is stolen money, there is no evidence so far it is laundering money, we don’t have any evidence. All we know is that she sent some people to the Police for stealing her money. Of course, it is the amount of money that is causing this kind of public uproar.
“I think what we need to do is to ensure that the proper investigation processes take place. I think EOCO should be interested because there could be an angel of money laundering, I am not saying it is but it raises that question.”
He added, “for me, this would have been a wonderful opportunity to stand tall by taking a certain stand.”
Meanwhile, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has placed Cecilia Abena Dapaah under arrest on Monday, July 24.
She is being interrogated by officers of the OSP, a statement said.
“At 11:55 GMT on 24th July 2023, Cecilia Abena Dapaah who resigned from the position of Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources on 22nd July 2023 was placed under arrest by the Office of the Special Prosecutor in respect of suspected corruption and corruption-related offenses regarding large amounts of money and valuable items reportedly stolen from her residence. Ms Dapaah is being questioned by authorized officers of the OSP,” the OSP said in the statement.
A Senior Political Science lecturer, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has shown admiration for Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, after she chose to step down from her position.
Professor Ransford Gyampo praised Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah’s courage in resigning from her position, despite recognizing that keeping a significant amount of money at home as a public officer is unacceptable. He commended her for taking such a bold and commendable step, encouraging others to follow suit.
He stated, “I applaud her for taking the initiative to resign. In our country, it is not common for public officers to do so, making her decision even more significant. By resigning, she has shown courage and done well.” He told Omanhene Kwabena Asante on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen Monday.
However, he also expressed his concern about President Nana Akufo-Addo’s response to her resignation, stating that the president should have accepted it without being judgmental.
The political science lecturer emphasised the importance of allowing the investigative body to carry out its work, stating: “Let us allow the investigative body to do their work if we are serious as a nation. We need to tackle things from the roots.”
Regarding the arrest of Madam Dapaah by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, Professor Gyampo noted that it was a consequence of suspicions surrounding corruption and corruption-related offenses, specifically related to the alleged theft of substantial amounts of money and valuable items from her residence in Accra.
In light of recent events, Professor Gyampo suggested a reevaluation of the structure of her former ministry.
He proposed: “Her ministry should be realigned. It is unnecessary to appoint a new minister to replace her. Cutting down the number of ministers is important.”
The arrest of the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources has triggered series of investigations into the reported theft, causing shock and concern among the public.
Former Sanitation and Water Resources Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, who has come under public scrutiny following an alleged theft at her residence involving two of her maids, has been arrested by the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the OSP on Monday, July 24, 2023.
The statement said the arrest was in “respect of suspected corruption and corruption related offences regarding large sums of money and other valuable items reportedly stolen from her residence.
“Mrs Dapaah is being questioned by authorised officers of the OSP,” the statement added.
The arrest comes after Cecilia Dapaah’s resignation and the wake of suspicions of corruption and corruption-related offences, revolving around the alleged theft of significant amounts of money and valuable items from her residence in Accra.
Five individuals are facing charges for their alleged involvement in stealing millions of dollars and euros from the minister’s house at Abelemkpe, a suburb of Accra.
According to Madam Dapaah, the reported amounts of money stolen in the media is inconsistent with the original complaint she filed.
According to Madam Cecilia Dapaah, she decided to resign on July 23, 2023, to prevent this matter from becoming a preoccupation of government and a hindrance to the work of government at such a crucial time.
She also assured of her willingness to cooperate fully with all state agencies to enable them fully establish the facts.
It is expected that investigation by the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, will bring finality to the matter.
President Akufo-Addo has accepted the resignation of the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
Unconventionally, no immediate replacement in an acting capacity has been named.
Instead, the Chief Director will lead the ministry until an official announcement is made.
There are indications in the corridors of power that the President intends to appoint someone who seamlessly fits the vacancy and can bypass parliamentary vetting, meaning a serving minister may be chosen.
The list of potential replacements aligns with that of pro-government outlet Asaase Radio, which was published shortly after Dapaah’s resignation.
The possible replacements for the position are as follows:
The current Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye: the President may consider merging the two portfolios or appoint Asenso-Boakye in an acting capacity, but only time will reveal the decision.
Deputy minister in the Ministry of Works and Housing, Freda Prempeh: is highly tipped for the position. She is presently associated with the Ministry of Works and Housing.
The MP for Suame and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu: is also seen as a potential replacement. He has previously served in an acting role at the finance ministry.
However, his move to this new position might require the NPP to reset its leadership due to his role as the Majority Leader in Parliament.
Other names making rounds as potential acting ministers include Dan Botwe, Samuel Jinapor, and Henry Quartey.
Both Dan Botwe and Samuel Jinapor have prior experience as acting ministers. The final decision rests with the President, and the public awaits the official appointment.
Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, a former musician turned political activist in a recent Facebook post on July 21, 2023, made serious allegations against Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources in Ghana. A Plus claimed that there were large sums of alleged stolen money, both in foreign exchange and Ghana cedis, found at the minister’s home.
A Plus pointed to the substantial amount of money spent by Cecilia Dapaah’s ministry on the desilting of the Odaw basin as evidence for his accusations. He suggested that it might not be surprising for her to have accumulated such wealth considering the expenses associated with the project.
To support his claims, A Plus shared a video on his Facebook page featuring Cecilia Dapaah responding to a parliamentary sitting, where she addressed the Odaw River desilting project.
In his post, A Plus captioned the video, insinuating a connection between the alleged stolen money and the significant amount spent on the Odaw basin desilting. He wrote, “Are you surprised that someone who spent 43 million dollars on the desilting of the Odaw basin has $1 million dollars and Koominini sitting in her house?”
It’s essential to remember that these are serious allegations that can have far-reaching implications. Any accusations of corruption require a thorough and impartial investigation to ascertain the truth and hold those responsible accountable.
According to an official charge sheet from an Accra Circuit Court, the brazen thefts occurred at the couple’s residence in Abelemkpe, a suburb of Accra, over a three-month period from July to October 2022.
The accused, identified as Patience and Sarah, are facing serious charges, including conspiracy to commit a crime and multiple counts of stealing involving staggering amounts of money.
Not only were monetary assets stolen, but the accused also allegedly made off with personal belongings of Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah, such as valuable clothes, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry. The stolen items amounted to a shocking value of GH¢95,000 and US$95,000.
Further accusations involved Patience acting alone in the theft of cultural treasures, including six pieces of Kente cloth worth GH¢90,000 and six sets of men’s suits valued at US$3,000, which belonged to the minister’s husband.
The court has also charged three additional individuals in connection with the thefts, revealing the complexity of the case.
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.
The court has adjourned the case to August 2, 2023, while investigations
The country in November 2013, was hit with the ‘Vickyleaks saga’ that led to the dismissal of the Deputy Communications Minister in Mahama’s era.
Victoria Hammah was sacked by the former president, John Dramani Mahama, after she was heard in a leaked tape making claims of how she would quit politics if she had $1million at hand.
Her driver who is believed to have recorded the conversation that got leaked was arrested after the former Deputy Communications Minister’s dismissal.
Although she claims to have respected Mahama’s decision, she felt she wasn’t given a fair hearing by the media.
President John Dramani Mahama has dismissed Deputy Communications Minister, Victoria Hammah, government announced in a statement issued on Friday morning.
There’s a leaked tape on which a voice purported to be that of Victoria Hammah is heard telling a female interlocutor that she will not quit politics until she makes at least US$1m.
The two ladies, who appeared to be traveling while having the gossipy conversation, are also heard on the leaked secret audio tape harshly condemning the Deputy Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Rachel Appoh, for instigating bad press against her boss, Nana Oye Lithur.
