In a shocking turn of events, two house helps employed by Mrs Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the esteemed Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, and her husband, Mr Daniel Osei Kuffour, have been accused of orchestrating an elaborate theft of money and valuables worth millions of cedis from the couple's luxurious home in Abelemkpe, Accra.



The accused individuals, 18-year-old Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei are facing serious charges in the Accra Circuit Court, including conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing. The alleged criminal activities took place over a three-month period between July and October 2022.



The stolen items reportedly include a staggering assortment of personal effects belonging to Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah. These items include an array of exclusive clothes valued at GH¢95,000, exquisite handbags, perfumes, and elegant jewellery worth an astonishing US$95,000.


In a separate incident, Ms Botwe stands accused of pocketing six valuable pieces of Kente cloth, which hold a collective worth of GH¢90,000, and six sets of men's suits with an estimated value of US$3,000, which belonged to the honourable minister's husband.


To add further intrigue to this case, three other individuals are also facing charges for their alleged involvement in the crime. These individuals have been identified as Ms Botwe's current and former boyfriends, along with her father. Each of them is accused of dishonestly receiving large sums of money - GH¢1 million, GH¢180,000, and GH¢50,000, respectively.


According to court proceedings, the stolen monies and items were taken from the shared bedroom of the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources and her husband in their opulent residence.


The accused parties were arraigned before the Accra Circuit Court, where Judge Susana Ekuful presided over the case on Thursday, July 20, 2023. However, their pleas were not entered at this time.


During the hearing, Judge Susana Ekuful granted Sarah Agyei bail in the sum of GH¢1 million, with two reputable individuals serving as sureties. The sureties were required to deposit their Ghana cards with the court's registrar. It's important to note that the bail conditions are subject to review by the substantive judge, as Judge Ekuful was presiding as a relief judge.


Meanwhile, Ms Botwe, along with her alleged accomplices, her boyfriends, and her father, have been remanded into lawful custody pending further investigation.


The complainants reported the theft to the police in June of the same year after discovering the disappearance of significant cash and personal belongings. Ms Botwe was reportedly caught red-handed entering the couple's room using a duplicate key, which led to her immediate arrest.


Further investigations revealed that Patience Botwe, in collaboration with Sarah Agyei, had managed to conceal the stolen money and used it to purchase properties and expensive items.


The court proceedings for this case are adjourned until August 2, 2023, as the court continues to deliberate on the fate of the accused individuals.


According to the amended charge sheet and brief facts presented in court, it was disclosed that Ms Botwe, who is also known as Maabena, was a house help for the complainants, Daniel Osei Kuffour, and his wife, Cecilia Abena Dapaah.


Additionally, the court revealed that Ms Agyei had previously worked as a house help for the same complainants.


The couple reported the case to the police in June after discovering the missing cash and personal effects. The subsequent arrest of Ms Botwe, caught in the couple's room with a duplicate key, marked a pivotal moment in the investigation.


As the case unfolds, the public remains captivated by the intrigue surrounding the alleged theft and the complex web of individuals involved in this audacious crime. The court proceedings set for August 2, 2023, promise to shed more light on this shocking incident.