Former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah, has testified for the first time in her ongoing criminal trial, alleging that her domestic workers systematically stole substantial amounts of cash and valuables from her residence over an extended period.
Appearing before the High Court in Accra, Dapaah detailed the extent of the alleged theft, stating that the accused individuals took $410,000, €300,000, and GHS 350,000 (approximately $30,000) in cash. Additionally, she revealed that jewelry worth $53,000 was stolen.
Accusations Against Domestic Workers
The former minister, who served under President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration, expressed deep distress over the losses, emphasizing that the stolen funds and valuables had been accumulated over three decades. She stressed that the missing items held not just financial but also sentimental value.
Dapaah has accused two former female housekeepers of orchestrating the theft. The alleged culprits, who worked as domestic staff in her Accra residence, are believed to have stolen not only cash and jewelry but also her husband’s clothing and other valuables.
This marks her first court appearance since the trial began in 2023, following investigations that led to the arrest of the suspects.
Background of the Case
The case first made headlines in mid-2023, when reports emerged that Dapaah’s domestic workers had allegedly stolen large sums of money from her residence. The revelation sparked public outrage and led to a broader investigation into the former minister’s finances, with many questioning how she came to possess such significant cash reserves at home.
Authorities launched an official inquiry, which resulted in the arrest of two housekeepers and further scrutiny into Dapaah’s financial dealings. The Ghanaian public and anti-corruption agencies have since followed the case closely, as it raises broader concerns about accountability, wealth declaration, and the handling of public funds by officials.
Dapaah’s Testimony in Court
During her testimony, Dapaah maintained that she and her husband had legally acquired the stolen funds over a period of 30 years. She emphasized that the money was accumulated from various personal sources, dismissing speculations that the funds were linked to her tenure as a government official.
She described the emotional toll the theft had taken on her, stating that she felt betrayed and violated by individuals she had entrusted with her home. According to her, the accused workers had unrestricted access to parts of the house, which made it easier for them to carry out the alleged theft unnoticed.
Dapaah recounted how she first became aware of the missing money and valuables. She explained that inconsistencies in household items and unexplained financial discrepancies led her to suspect foul play. Eventually, a thorough search of the house and an internal inquiry revealed that substantial amounts had gone missing, prompting her to file a formal complaint with the authorities.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
The accused individuals face multiple charges, including theft, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Prosecutors argue that the stolen amounts were gradually siphoned over an extended period, rather than taken in a single act of theft.
During cross-examination, the defense team challenged Dapaah’s claims, questioning why such large sums were kept in cash at home rather than in a financial institution. They also pressed for more details on how the theft was discovered and reported.
The prosecution, however, remains firm on its stance, presenting evidence of suspicious transactions, recovered stolen items, and testimonies from additional witnesses to support the case against the accused.
Court proceedings have also brought to light financial transactions made by the accused workers after the alleged theft. Investigators discovered that some of the stolen funds were allegedly used to make large purchases, including real estate and vehicles. These findings have further intensified the legal battle, as prosecutors seek to trace and recover any misappropriated assets.
Public Reactions and Political Implications
The case has sparked intense public debate in Ghana, with many questioning the security of high-profile individuals and their financial practices. While some sympathize with Dapaah over her alleged loss, others argue that the presence of such large sums of money in her home raises serious ethical concerns.
The controversy has also political implications, as opposition figures have used the incident to criticize the government’s commitment to fighting corruption. Some have called for deeper investigations into the financial dealings of past and present government officials.
The revelation of such substantial cash reserves has also reignited discussions about financial transparency and the declaration of assets by public officeholders. Many Ghanaians have questioned whether the country’s existing laws on asset declaration and financial accountability are effective in preventing potential misuse of funds by officials.
Wealth Declaration and Anti-Corruption Concerns
Following the public outrage, calls for stricter financial transparency measures have grown louder. Ghana’s anti-corruption agencies, including the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), have been under pressure to ensure that all government officials declare their assets accurately.
Legal experts have weighed in on the case, arguing that whether or not the stolen money was legally acquired, keeping such large sums at home rather than in a regulated financial institution raises red flags. Some have suggested that this case could set a precedent for stricter enforcement of wealth declaration laws in Ghana.
While Ghana has laws requiring public officials to declare their assets upon assuming office, enforcement has been weak, with minimal consequences for non-compliance. The Dapaah case has renewed calls for strengthening these regulations and ensuring greater accountability among government officials.
Impact on Cecilia Dapaah’s Reputation
The scandal has significantly affected Dapaah’s reputation, overshadowing her previous work as a government minister. Before this case, she was known for her role in Ghana’s sanitation and water resource sector, spearheading initiatives to improve waste management and water supply across the country.
Now, her legacy is at risk of being defined by the controversy surrounding the alleged theft. The ongoing trial could determine whether she regains public trust or faces further scrutiny regarding her financial dealings.
Next Steps in the Trial
With Cecilia Dapaah’s first testimony now on record, the trial is expected to continue with further cross-examinations, witness testimonies, and forensic evidence presentations. The outcome of the case could have significant legal and political consequences, influencing public perceptions of corruption, financial accountability, and the justice system in Ghana.
As the proceedings unfold, the court will determine whether the accused domestic workers are guilty of the alleged theft or if further investigations are needed to clarify the origins and handling of the funds in question.
For now, all eyes remain on the High Court, as Ghana awaits the final verdict on one of the country’s most talked-about financial crime cases.
