Cecilia Dapaah testifies in court; recounts how her $53,000 worth jewellery was stolen
On Tuesday, March 11, Mrs. Dapaah testified for the first time in the ongoing trial, revealing that her stolen jewelry alone was worth $53,000.
Former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah, has taken the witness stand in an Accra High Court, offering a detailed account of how her domestic workers allegedly stole large sums of money and valuable possessions from her home.
On Tuesday, March 11, Mrs. Dapaah testified for the first time in the ongoing trial, revealing that her stolen jewelry alone was worth $53,000. She recounted that, in addition to cash, the accused workers had taken various personal belongings she had accumulated over three decades.
According to her testimony, the thefts occurred over a period, with multiple prized items disappearing from her household. This marks a crucial development in the case, as the former minister sheds light on the extent of her financial and personal losses.
Case Background
The case revolves around allegations of theft against two of Mrs. Dapaah’s former domestic workers. The accused individuals, 18-year-old Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei are charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and multiple counts of stealing.
Since 2023, the duo has been facing trial for allegedly taking millions of cedis worth of cash, jewelry, and personal effects from the residence of the former minister and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour, in Abelemkpe, Accra.
The alleged thefts, which occurred between July and October 2022, reportedly included assorted clothing valued at GH¢95,000, six pieces of Kente fabric worth GH¢90,000, and men’s suits worth $3,000 belonging to Mrs. Dapaah’s husband.
Additionally, three other individuals—Ms. Botwe’s current and former boyfriends, as well as her father—are accused of benefiting from the stolen funds. They face charges of dishonestly receiving GH1 million, GH180,000, and GH¢50,000, respectively.
Discovery and Legal Action
The theft was uncovered in June 2023, when Mrs. Dapaah and her husband noticed missing cash and valuables. Their suspicions were confirmed when Ms. Botwe was caught attempting to enter their bedroom with a duplicate key, leading to her arrest.
Investigations later revealed that Patience, allegedly assisted by Sarah, had hidden stolen money and used it to acquire property and luxury goods.
Following the theft case, Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) launched an investigation into Mrs. Dapaah herself, scrutinizing the significant sums of money stored in her home. This inquiry, however, did not result in legal action against her, despite public outcry and speculation about the source of the funds. The controversy ultimately led to her resignation as Minister of State.
With Mrs. Dapaah’s testimony now on record, the trial continues as the court determines the fate of the accused individuals.
