The Accra High Court has rescheduled the hearing of the case involving former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, to Thursday, January 25, 2024.
The case pertains to Dapaah’s alleged failure to declare her income and property to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
In addition to the main case, the OSP’s application to confirm the freezing and seizure orders on Cecilia Dapaah’s bank accounts and assets has also been adjourned to the same date.
The court documents reveal that this delay is crucial in determining the fate of the former Minister’s financial assets.
Back in October 2023, Dapaah’s legal team filed an injunction application against the OSP, citing irreparable damage if the Office is not restrained.
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The court is now tasked with balancing the economic rights of the accused against the State’s authority to combat corruption.
The Human Rights Court in Accra is currently hearing this application filed by Cecilia Abena Dapaah and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffuor.
In a related development, the case against the OSP, aimed at restraining the Office from freezing Dapaah’s accounts and seizing cash recovered from their residence, has also been adjourned to February 1, 2024.
Background
The intricate legal battle unfolds against the backdrop of a theft scandal involving two house helps who worked for Cecilia Abena Dapaah and her husband.
Patience Botwe and Sarah Agyei face charges for allegedly stealing significant amounts of money and items from the couple’s residence in Accra.
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The alleged thefts occurred between July and October 2022, with stolen items including clothes, handbags, perfumes, and jewelry.
The accused individuals are also facing charges for conspiracy to commit crime and dishonestly receiving stolen goods.
The court granted bail to Sarah Agyei, while Patience Botwe, along with her alleged accomplices, has been remanded into custody.
The complainants reported the theft case to the police in June 2023, leading to the arrest of Patience Botwe, who was caught entering the couple’s room with a duplicate key.
Further investigations revealed that Patience and Sarah had hidden the stolen money, using it to purchase properties and expensive items.
The case drew public attention, prompting calls for investigations by CHRAJ, the OSP, and the Ghana Police Service.
The Special Prosecutor subsequently announced an investigation, starting with the arrest of Madam Cecilia Dapaah.
The unfolding legal proceedings will continue to capture the nation’s interest as the court determines the outcome of the complex case.
