An Accra High Court has directed the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to return funds seized from Cecilia Dapaah to her, within 72 hours. 

This decision followed an OSP application to confirm the freezing and seizure orders related to the bank accounts and assets of the former Minister for Water Resources and Sanitation.

The Special Prosecutor, Mr Kissi Agyebeng, stated in a press conference that the case would continue under the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). 

The court order requires the OSP to return the cash sums and unfreeze the accounts within the specified time frame.

Mr Agyebeng explained that the investigation revealed suspected cases of money laundering, and EOCO would be better equipped to handle such matters. 

He emphasized continued collaboration with EOCO and the FBI on the case.

Background:

Cecilia Dapaah and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour, faced legal issues when two housemates were charged with stealing money and items worth millions from their residence in Accra. The alleged thefts occurred between July and October 2022, and the accused individuals faced charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and stealing.

The stolen items included clothes, handbags, perfumes, jewellery, Kente cloth, and men’s suits. The accused individuals, including the house helpers and others involved, faced charges related to the alleged thefts. The court granted bail to one of the house helps, Sarah Agyei, and remanded the others into custody.

The complainants reported the theft case to the police in June 2023 after discovering the missing cash and personal effects. Investigations revealed that the stolen money had been used to purchase properties and expensive items, prompting further scrutiny.

The Special Prosecutor announced the investigation, aiming to uncover the source of the money and address the allegations against Cecilia Dapaah. The recent court order to return seized funds suggests a shift in the handling of the case from OSP to EOCO.