Over $1 million allegedly stolen from Cecilia Dapaah’s residence

In a shocking case before the Accra Circuit Court, two house helps are facing charges of stealing monies and items amounting to millions of Ghana Cedis from Ghanaian Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour.

The accused, 18-year-old Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei, allegedly committed the thefts at the couple’s residence in Abelemkpe, a suburb of Accra, over a period from July to October 2022.

Patience Botwe (A1) also stands accused of implicating her current and former boyfriends, as well as her father, who are all facing charges before the same court.

The charges brought against Patience and Sarah include conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, involving US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana cedis.

During the same timeframe, the accused are alleged to have stolen various personal effects belonging to Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah, including clothes valued at GH¢95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry valued at US$95,000.

Patience, in addition to the other thefts, is also accused of stealing 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.

Three other individuals are also facing charges for dishonestly receiving stolen funds: Benjamin (A3), a 29-year-old plumber; Kweku Botwe (A4), a 65-year-old trader; and Malik Dauda (A5), a 23-year-old unemployed person.

All the monies and items mentioned in the charges were allegedly taken from the bedroom shared by Cecilia Abena Dapaah and her husband.

On Thursday, July 20, 2023, all five accused persons appeared before Accra Circuit Court, presided over by Susana Ekuful. While Sarah was granted bail in the sum of GH¢1 million due to being a breastfeeding mother, the other accused were remanded into lawful custody.

According to the brief facts presented in court, Patience (A1) and Sarah were both former house helps of the complainants. The alleged thefts came to light in June when the complainants reported cash and personal effects missing from their room.

Upon investigation, it was discovered that Patience had gained unauthorized access to the couple’s room using a duplicate key. She was caught by Mr. Kuffour, who found her hiding behind the door upon returning home.

Subsequently, the couple noticed the disappearance of some of their belongings. Patience was later arrested but fled to Tamale with her boyfriend, Benjamin. Authorities tracked her down and found US$40,000 and GH¢72,619.70 in their apartment.

Further investigations revealed that Patience had acquired a 3-bedroom house in Amrahia, furnished with various new items, as well as purchased a Hyundai Elantra for Benjamin, who then sold it to buy a Honda Civic.

During questioning, Patience implicated Sarah as her accomplice, stating that Sarah used to keep watch at the main gate while she entered the couple’s room to steal, after which they shared the spoils.

Sarah was eventually apprehended at Budumburam, and it was revealed that she had used her share of the stolen money to build a 3-bedroom house.

The case is set to resume on August 2, 2023, as investigations continue into this shocking theft from the Ghanaian Minister and her husband.