An Accra High Court has directed the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to return Cecilia Dapaah’s confiscated funds to her within 72 hours.
The court’s decision came after the OSP submitted an application to validate the freezing and seizure orders related to the former Minister’s bank accounts and assets at her residence.
In a press briefing, the Special Prosecutor announced that the ongoing case will be taken over and pursued by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
“A little over an hour ago, the Office discontinued its application that was pending before the High Court for confirmation of the seizure and freezing orders in pursuance of the referral of the case to EOCO. The court order that the office should return the cash sums and defreeze the accounts of an investment of Mrs. Dapaah within 72 hours,” Kissi Agyebeng said.
Mr. Agyebeng clarified that his investigation thus far indicates a potential case of money laundering.
On that score, EOCO is better placed to handle affairs with respect to “suspected cases of money laundering and its attendant activity of structuring.”
In October 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) partnered with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in a coordinated effort to thoroughly investigate former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour. This joint initiative aimed to scrutinize the legality of the wealth accumulated by Ms. Dapaah and her associates, spanning across both Ghana and the United States.
During a statement on Thursday, January 25, 2024, the Special Prosecutor affirmed that his office would maintain a close working relationship with the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and continue its collaboration with the FBI regarding the ongoing investigation.
Background
Two house helps who were employed by Cecilia Abena Dapaah and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour, are facing charges for allegedly stealing money and items worth millions of cedis from the couple’s residence in Abelemkpe, Accra.
The primary accused individuals, 18-year-old Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei, have been charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing. The alleged thefts occurred between July and October 2022.
During this period, the house helps allegedly stole personal belongings of Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah, including assorted clothes valued at GH¢95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry worth US$95,000. Ms. Botwe 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 belong to the minister’s husband.
Additionally, three other individuals, identified as Ms. Botwe’s current and former boyfriends and her father, are facing charges for allegedly being involved in the crime. They have been respectively charged with dishonestly receiving GH¢1 million, GH¢180,000, and GH¢50,000.
The stolen items and money were reported to the police in June 2023, leading to the arrest of Ms. Botwe, who was caught entering the couple’s room with a duplicate key. Further investigations revealed that Patience, with the help of her alleged accomplice Sarah, had hidden the stolen money and used it to purchase properties and expensive items.
The accused individuals were arraigned before an Accra Circuit Court on July 20, 2023, and while bail was granted to Sarah Agyei, Patience Botwe, along with her alleged boyfriends and father, were remanded into lawful custody.
The Special Prosecutor announced an investigation into the matter, starting with the arrest of Madam Cecilia Dapaah.