Stolen Money saga: OSP officials raid Cecilia Abena Dapaah’s home

Officials from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) raided the home of the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, on Monday, July 24, 2023.

The search was in connection with the alleged theft of US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghanaian cedis from her residence between July and October 2022, allegedly committed by her house helps.

Earlier in the day, Cecilia Dapaah was picked up for questioning over suspected corruption and subsequently placed under arrest for several hours. The alleged stealing is said to have occurred at her Abelemkpe residence in Accra, and a further search is also being conducted at one of her homes in Ablekuma.

The OSP issued a statement regarding the arrest, revealing that the former minister is being questioned by authorized officers in relation to suspected corruption and corruption-related offences involving substantial amounts of money and valuable items allegedly stolen from her residence.

Media reports first emerged on Friday, detailing the trial of two housemaids, 18-year-old Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei, along with others, for their alleged involvement in the theft. The stolen items include clothes, handbags, perfumes, jewellery, kente cloth, and suits belonging to Mrs Dapaah’s husband, which is said to be worth thousands of dollars.

Following the publication of the theft case, Cecilia Dapaah has faced severe criticism. However, she has questioned the accuracy of the reported amounts stolen, citing “noticeable inconsistencies” in the discussions of what she reported to the police.

In light of the controversy surrounding the “stolen” cash and to allow for a transparent investigation, she resigned from her position as Sanitation Minister on Saturday, July 22, 2022.

Source: Newsalertgh