In a significant development in the ongoing criminal trial involving her domestic workers, former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah, has testified in an Accra High Court about the theft of valuable items and cash from her residence.
This marks the first time Mrs. Dapaah has taken the witness stand in the case, which revolves around allegations that her domestic workers stole large sums of money and other personal possessions.
During her testimony on Tuesday, March 11, Mrs. Dapaah revealed that her jewellery, valued at $53,000, was among the stolen items. She also shared how the accused individuals took several treasured belongings she had accumulated over three decades of her life.
In addition to the jewellery, the former minister outlined how other precious personal effects were stolen by her domestic workers over an extended period.
The thefts reportedly took place between July and October 2022, with the two accused workers—18-year-old Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei—charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and multiple counts of stealing. The stolen items included cash, assorted clothes, Kente cloths, and men’s suits belonging to Mrs. Dapaah and her husband.
The stolen items and cash were reportedly taken from the couple’s bedroom in their residence at Abelemkpe, Accra. The theft was discovered in June 2023, leading the complainants to report the matter to the police.
Ms. Botwe was caught red-handed entering the couple’s room with a duplicate key, which led to her arrest. Further investigations revealed that Ms. Botwe, assisted by Ms. Agyei, had hidden the stolen goods and used the money to purchase properties and other expensive items.
The case has attracted significant attention, with public outcry over the circumstances surrounding the stolen funds, particularly questioning the source of the large sums found in Mrs. Dapaah’s home.
The Special Prosecutor’s Office initiated an investigation into the matter, though the investigation into the former minister’s involvement was not successful.
This public backlash ultimately led to Mrs. Dapaah’s resignation as Minister of State, with critics demanding clarity over the source of the funds discovered during the investigation.
