‘Stolen money’ from Cecilia Dapaah’s home could be funeral donations – Ga West MCE

The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) for Ga West, Clement Wilkinson has suggested that the US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis allegedly stolen from the Sanitation Minister’s home could be proceeds of funeral donations.

Speaking to Accra-based UTV on Saturday, July 22, Mr Wilkinson observed that the monies could be a token from the contractors engaged by the government through the Sanitation Ministry to dredge the Odaw River.

He, however, did not give further any details about the supposed funeral he was making reference to.

“The company which received $43 million dollars to dredge the Odaw river could have given Cecilia Dapaah $2 million dollars in funeral donation.”

“You know until the family meets to look at the entire donation, it would not be touched. It could be the reason the money was at her home.

The MCE’s postulation has not gone down well with some Ghanaians who have berated him.

For instance, a former Deputy Minister of Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu has described it as funny.

According to him, the explanation should not be entertained by anyone.

“Folks, please take a listen at this explanation from this NPP chap on how the Sanitation Minister came by so much money.”

Background

An Accra High Court has been told that huge sums of money and other items of Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour have been stolen from their Abelemkpe home.

An Accra High Court was told that huge sums of money and other items owned by the Sanitation Minister and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour have been stolen from their Abelemkpe home.

According to the prosecution, the thefts happened between July and October 2022.

The Chronicle newspaper reports that two househelps – Patience Botwe, 18, and Sarah Agyei, 30 – are currently facing one count of conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing, involving amounts of US$1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghana Cedis.

Madam Dapaah and her husband reported the theft case to the police in June of this year after Mr Kuffour [husband] caught one of the accused [Patience Botew] red-handed in their room with a duplicate key, leading to her arrest.

According to the same report, the pair during the same period allegedly stole the personal belongings of Cecilia Dapaah, including assorted clothes valued at GH¢95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewellery valued at US$95,000.

Patience acting alone also reportedly stole steal six pieces of Kente cloth worth GH¢90,000, and six sets of men’s suits valued at US$3,000, which belonged to the Minister’s husband.

Three other persons have also been charged in connection with the thefts.