…..Regarding Cecilia Stolen $1m
In a startling development, it has been revealed that security agencies failed to give proper attention to an early warning carried by the DAYBREAK Newspaper before the issue of the missing $1 million broke out.
The media outlet, which initially published the news as a stop press, went on to feature front-page stories on the matter.
The first stop press by DAYBREAK Newspaper was published on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, sensationalizing the story with the headline “Female Minister’s Maid, Dad In Custody Over Missing $1 Million Cash.” Despite this initial warning, the security agencies did not pay adequate attention to the matter at that time.
The theft, involving such a substantial amount of money, has raised concerns regarding the effectiveness and responsiveness of Ghana’s security apparatus. The incident, which occurred under the watch of the former minister, highlights a significant breach of security and highlights potential flaws within the system.
Following the insufficient reaction by security agencies, DAYBREAK Newspaper continued to cover the story and published a subsequent article on July 20, 2023, with the headline “Cecilia Dapaah Storms Court Today Over $1 Million Theft Case By Maid.” It seems that the media outlet was determined to shed light on the missing funds, increasing public awareness and scrutiny.
It is crucial to investigate how such an important lead was initially overlooked by security agencies. The missing $1 million is a matter of public concern and trust in the authorities responsible for ensuring the safety and security of citizens.
As new information surfaces, security agencies need to prioritize this case and demonstrate due diligence in the investigation. The public demands answers regarding the whereabouts of the missing funds and remains eager for justice to be served.
Authorities have yet to comment on the initial neglect of the information provided by DAYBREAK Newspaper. As the case gains more attention, it is hoped that necessary actions will be taken to rectify the oversight and restore confidence in the security agencies’ ability to address financial crimes swiftly and effectively.
The newspaper’s stop press notice, published just before the news broke, provided crucial information that could have aided the security agencies in their investigation. However, it appears that the warning was not taken seriously, raising questions about the agencies’ ability to detect and respond promptly to such incidents.
While the exact reasons for the security agencies’ lack of action remain unclear, there is growing public concern over the potential implications of this oversight. The theft of such a substantial amount of money from a minister’s employee raises questions about the level of protection offered to government officials and their staff.
The National Security and National Investigations Bureau have yet to issue an official statement regarding the matter. However, it is expected that they will face intense scrutiny and pressure to account for their failure to act on the warning signs provided by the media outlet.
As the investigation progresses, security agencies need to address the shortcomings in their response to such incidents. Restoring public trust in their ability to protect and serve the nation is of utmost importance.
Ghanaians are hoping for swift action to bring the culprits to justice and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The government is urged to conduct a thorough review of the security agencies procedures and protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.
The DAYBREAK Newspaper’s role in bringing this issue to light highlights the vital role of the media in holding authorities accountable. Their efforts to inform the public and shed light on potential security lapses should be commended.
It remains to be seen how the security agencies will respond to this alarming turn of events and what measures will be taken to prevent such oversights from happening again. The people of Ghana are eagerly waiting for answers and reassurance that their security is being taken seriously by those entrusted with protecting them.
The DAYBREAK Newspaper continues to monitor the developments closely and will provide regular updates on this ongoing investigation.
Two househelps working for Cecilia Abena Dapaah and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour are facing charges for allegedly stealing monies and items worth millions of cedis from the couple’s residence at Abelemkpe in Accra.
The accused individuals, 18-year-old Patience Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei have been charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and five counts of stealing.
The alleged thefts occurred between July and October 2022.
During this period, the house helps allegedly stole personal effects belonging to Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah, including assorted clothes valued at GH¢95,000, handbags, perfumes, and jewellery worth US$95,000.
Additionally, Ms Botwe is accused of stealing six pieces of Kente cloth worth GH¢90,000 and six sets of men’s suits valued at US$3,000, which belong to the minister’s husband.
Furthermore, three other individuals, identified as Ms Botwe’s current and former boyfriends and her father, are also facing charges for allegedly being involved in the crime. They have been respectively charged with dishonestly receiving GH¢1 million, GH¢180,000, and GH¢50,000.
According to court proceedings, the stolen monies and items belonged to Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah and her husband, taken from their bedroom in their residence.
The accused individuals were arraigned before an Accra Circuit Court, presided over by Susana Ekuful, on Thursday, July 20, 2023. However, their pleas have not been taken yet.
The court granted bail to Sarah Agyei in the sum of GH¢1 million with two sureties. The sureties are required to deposit their Ghana cards with the court’s registrar. The bail conditions are subject to review by the substantive judge, as Susana Ekuful was serving as a relief judge.
On the other hand, Ms Botwe, along with her alleged boyfriends and father, have been remanded into lawful custody.
The complainants reported the theft case to the police in June 2023 after discovering the missing cash and personal effects.
Ms Botwe was caught red-handed entering the couple’s room with a duplicate key, leading to her arrest.
Further investigations revealed that Patience, with the help of her alleged accomplice Sarah, had hidden the stolen money and used it to purchase properties and expensive items.
This information got Ghanaians talking with many asking CHRAJ, the OSP and the Ghana Police Service to investigate the source of the money.
Subsequently, the Special Prosecutor announced that his office was investigating the matter, starting with the arrest of Madam Cecilia Dapaah.
Meanwhile, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has appointed the Minister of State at the Presidency and Member of Parliament for Tano North, Freda Prempeh, to take over as Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources since the resignation of Madam Cecilia Dapaah from office.
