Alleged $1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis. Theft Scandal Involving Sanitation Minister's Residence Unfolds

 
An ongoing court case at the Accra Circuit Court has unveiled a shocking incident of theft involving the home of Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour, in Abelemkpe. The prosecution states that significant sums of money and valuable items went missing from their residence between July and October of the previous year.
Facing charges in connection with the theft are two house helps, Patience Botwe (18) and Sarah Agyei (30). The accused individuals are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, which involve substantial amounts of US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis.

According to reports from The Chronicle newspaper, during the same period, Patience and Sarah are alleged to have stolen personal belongings belonging to Cecilia Dapaah. These items include assorted clothes valued at GH¢95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry worth US$95,000. In addition, Patience is accused of acting alone in the theft of six pieces of Kente cloth worth GH¢90,000 and six sets of men's suits valued at US$3,000, which belonged to her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour.

Furthermore, three additional individuals have been charged in connection with the thefts. Benjamin (29), a plumber, is accused of dishonestly receiving GH¢180,000, while Kweku Botwe (65), a trader, faces charges for dishonestly receiving GH¢50,000. A third individual, Malik Dauda (23), who is unemployed, is alleged to have dishonestly received GH¢1 million.
In a court appearance presided over by Judge Susana Ekuful on July 20, all five accused individuals appeared, but their pleas have not yet been taken. Sarah, who is a breastfeeding mother, was granted bail in the sum of GH¢1 million, with two sureties required to deposit their Ghana cards with the court's registrar. However, it was clarified that the bail conditions are subject to review by the substantive judge, as Judge Susana Ekuful was serving as a relief judge at the time. The remaining accused persons have been remanded into lawful custody.

The alleged thefts came to light in June of the current year when the complainants reported the incidents to the police after discovering missing cash and personal belongings. Patience was caught in the act while using a duplicate key to access the couple's room. She was apprehended by Mr. Kuffour upon his return home, after he noticed the room was unlocked and heard unusual noises from inside.
Subsequent investigations revealed that some of the stolen items and money were in the possession of Patience and her associates. The accused allegedly used the stolen funds to finance various properties and purchases, including renting a three-bedroom apartment and a store in Tamale, buying vehicles, and funding other personal expenses.
The case has been adjourned to August 2, 2023, as investigations continue to unfold the full extent of the alleged theft scandal.