EOCO reopens Cecilia Dapaah’s case under new leadership

Gloria Amoah 9 months ago

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), now under the leadership of renowned investigative journalist Raymond Archer, has requested the case docket involving former Sanitation Minister Cecilia Dapaah from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng confirmed this during a media briefing on June 2, stating that the OSP has complied with the request. “By a letter dated 14 May 2025, the new leadership of EOCO requested the OSP to forward the docket back to EOCO for a review and commencement of investigation. Under the cover of communication dated 29 May 2025, the OSP forwarded a duplicate docket of the case back to EOCO,” Mr Agyebeng told journalists.

He emphasized the OSP’s willingness to collaborate: “It is our considered opinion that the docket serves as a valuable background resource for EOCO to commence its own investigation in respect of aspects of the case the OSP does not have a direct mandate. The OSP would lend its full collaborative support to EOCO in its review and investigation and probable further action.”

The OSP launched its investigation in July 2023 after The Chronicle newspaper reported that two house helps of Ms. Dapaah had allegedly stolen $1 million, €300,000, and large sums of Ghana cedis and personal items belonging to the minister and her husband, Daniel Osei Kuffour. The theft was said to have occurred between July and October 2022.

The two domestic workers, 18-year-old Ms. Botwe and 30-year-old Sarah Agyei, were charged with conspiracy and five counts of stealing. Public reaction to the scandal led to Ms. Dapaah’s resignation.

During its probe, the OSP discovered $590,000 and GH¢2.73 million in cash at Ms. Dapaah’s residence and froze seven of her bank accounts. A parallel FBI inquiry also took place.

Although no direct evidence of corruption was found, investigators identified signs of suspected money laundering and structuring, areas outside the OSP’s field and direct control. The case was referred to EOCO in January 2024, but EOCO returned it in May 2024, citing lack of a predicate offence.

Now, under new leadership, EOCO has taken back the docket. Meanwhile, court proceedings continue, with a hearing held in chambers involving Mr. Agyebeng, Ms. Dapaah, Mr. Kuffour, and their legal teams. The case has been adjourned to January 25, 2026.