In a shocking case of theft, two maids employed by Cecilia Dapaah, the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources in Ghana, and her husband, Mr. Daniel Osei Kuffour, are facing serious charges before an Accra Circuit Court. The accused, identified as Patience Botwe (18) and Sarah Agyei (30), are charged with five counts of theft and conspiracy to commit a felony.
The alleged thefts occurred between July and October 2022 while the maids were working at the couple’s home in Abelemkpe, Accra. According to court documents, the stolen items include garments valued at GH95,000 and various handbags, perfumes, and jewelry worth US$95,000, taken from Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah. Furthermore, Ms. Botwe is accused of stealing six pieces of Kente fabric worth GH 90,000 and six sets of men’s clothing costing US$3,000 from the minister’s husband.
The situation took a more complex turn when it was revealed that three other individuals, identified as Ms. Botwe’s father and two of her former lovers, allegedly participated in the crime. They are accused of receiving amounts of GH50,000, GH180,000, and GH1,000,000 dishonestly.
Following the thefts, the victims reported the incident to the police, resulting in Ms. Botwe’s arrest after she was caught breaking into the couple’s room with a spare key. Further investigations led to the discovery that she had hidden the stolen money and used it to purchase properties and luxury items, possibly with the help of her accomplice, Sarah.
During the arraignment on July 20, 2023, Susana Ekuful, the judge of the Accra Circuit Court, presided over the case. Ms. Agyei was granted bail in the amount of GH1 million with two sureties, while Ms. Botwe and her purported accomplices were remanded into legal custody.
Ms. Botwe’s alleged escape to Tamale with her lover, Benjamin, and the subsequent recovery of stolen funds from their flat added another twist to the story. The police recovered US$40,000 and GH72,619.70 from their rented apartment. Ms. Botwe is accused of using the stolen money to purchase several luxurious items and even gifted substantial amounts to her ex-boyfriend and father.
The trial is set to continue on August 2, 2023, where the court will further deliberate on the fate of those accused in this elaborate and high-profile theft case.