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The Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) Governor, Dr. Ernest Addison, has expressed grave worry about the pervasive habit of people stockpiling huge sums of foreign currency in their houses.
Financial officials are concerned about the situation because it poses serious risks to the stability of the national economy.
The news that the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Madam Cecilia Dapaah, allegedly kept more over one million dollars in her bedroom was one specific event that brought attention to this alarming practice. When asked about this particular instance, Dr. Addison replied that he was unable to comment because it was still under consideration by the court.
“It is a worry to all of us but it is a matter in court so there is not much to say about it,” he said.
The 113th Monetary Policy Committee, which met on Monday, July 24, heard the governor’s worries.
After Cecilia Abena Dapaah resigned from her job as Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources on July 22, 2023, the Office of Special Prosecutor (OSP) placed her in custody.
The arrest is related to allegations of corruption and crimes related to corruption involving sizable sums of money and expensive objects reportedly taken from her home.
In a statement, Special Prosecutor Kissi Adjebeng stated that Ms. Dapaah is currently being questioned by authorized OSP officers. The purpose of the investigation is to clarify the alleged corruption and determine whether there was any misconduct in relation to the suspected theft from her home.
According to media sources, the Minister allegedly had a million dollars, three hundred thousand euros, and millions of cedis that were all taken from her home.
Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah, in a statement addressing the matter, vehemently refuted these accusations and emphasized that the information making the rounds in the public differs greatly from the substance of the first complaint.
According to the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecelia Dapaah, there are glaring discrepancies between what is being addressed publicly and the major thrust of the original accusation regarding the theft of money from her home by two househelps.
Patience Botwe, 18, and Sarah Agyei, 30, who are the defendants, are accused of conspiring to commit a crime and five counts of theft. Between July and October 2022, allegedly thefts took place.
The housekeepers are accused of stealing personal items from Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah during this time, including a variety of garments costing GHC 95,000, as well as handbags, perfumes, and jewelry totaling US$95,000, from her.
Ms. Botwe is also charged with stealing six Kente pieces worth GHC 90,000 and six pairs of men’s clothes costing US$3,000, both of which belonged to the minister’s husband.
Three additional people her father, her current and former boyfriends, and Ms. Botwe—are also accused of participating in the crime and are being prosecuted. They are each accused of receiving GHC 1,000,000, GHC 180,000, and GHC 50,000 dishonestly.
Dapaah said in a statement on Friday (21 July) that she is reviewing the reports and would give a thorough response shortly.
“I refer to publications dated 21 /8/2023 suggesting that I own one million dollars , three hundred thousand Euros and millions of cedis which has been stolen in my house.
“There are noticeable inconsistencies between what is being discussed in the public domain and the thrust of the original complaint on the matter.”
“Iam taking steps to examine the inconsistencies and will provide detailed response in the coming days,” the statement said.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
