Cecilia Dapaah case: Alleged stolen jewelleries belonged to late wife of Otumfuo – Lawyer of 2nd accused

The trial involving domestic workers and others accused of stealing from former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah continued on March 24.

During her cross-examination, Madam Dapaah shared that her late brother, Nana Akwasi Essan II, was a subchief under the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu I. She previously stated that the accused stole $210,000 belonging to him.

Lawyer Augustine Gyamfi asked if she was born into a royal family. Madam Dapaah replied no, stating there was no kingship in her family.

The lawyer then asked about her brother's role at the Manhyia Palace. She confirmed he served as one of Otumfuo’s chiefs.

Presiding judge Marie-Louise Simmons questioned the relevance of these inquiries. She noted that the case focused on stolen items from Madam Dapaah's home and the second accused's involvement.

Lawyer Gyamfi claimed intelligence suggested that some stolen jewelry belonged to Otumfuo Osei Tutu I's late wife but had been returned.

He explained that as a subchief, her brother was responsible for safeguarding properties of the Asante King's wife. When Gyamfi asked Madam Dapaah to confirm this, she said she was unaware of such claims.

Gyami then pressed further, asking if she wanted the court to believe she hadn’t returned jewelry belonging to Otumfuo’s wife after allegations arose. Cecilia Dapaah responded firmly, “This has never happened. It’s history to me.”

Gyamfi also claimed his client had returned jewelry due to pressure from Pankrono residents in Kumasi. He expressed surprise at Cecilia Dapaah accusing his client of theft when different kente cloths were presented by police.

The seven accused individuals are Patience Botwe (former house help), Sarah Agyei (former house help), Benjamin Sowah, Malik Dauda, Christiana Achab, Job Pomary, and Yahaya Sumaila.

They face charges including conspiracy, stealing, dishonestly receiving property, and money laundering but have pleaded not guilty and received bail.

The case is adjourned until May 12 for further cross-examination.