The High Court in Accra has taken a significant decision by remanding Patience Botwe, one of the former Housemaids of former Sanitation Minister Cecila Abena Dapaah, and five others into prison custody. This decision was made after State Prosecutors led by Akosua Agyepomaa Agyemang, a Senior State Attorney, requested the Court to commit them to prison custody instead of the police custody, where they have been held.
Despite being granted bail in a combined sum of GHc5,250,000 with two sureties each to be justified with landed properties, the accused persons have not been able to meet their bail conditions. As a result, they will now be under the care of the Prisons authorities and not the police as previously.
The defense lawyers opposed the request, stating that the accused persons should be given time to execute their bail conditions. However, the Court emphasized that once their bail bonds are certified, they can go home.
It is important to note that Sarah Agyei, the other housemaid who is reportedly breastfeeding a nine-month-old baby, will remain in police cells.
The Court has adjourned the case to March 15 and has also received an application from State Prosecutors for an order to restrict the accused persons from disposing of properties in their custody.
The accused persons, including Patience Botwe and Sarah Agyei, along with five others, have pleaded not guilty to 31 counts including conspiracy to steal, stealing, dishonestly receiving, and money laundering. This case involves stolen monies and properties worth millions of Ghana cedis from the home of the former Minister.
On November 8, a new charge sheet was filed at the High Court with 31 counts, comprising of conspiracy, stealing, dishonestly receiving, and money laundering. This is a significant development from the previous 14 counts that were on the amended charged sheet.
Patience Botwe and seven others have been charged for allegedly stealing various sums of money, including 300,000 euros and other properties. They have been put before the Court since July 6, 2023.
This case continues to unfold with new developments, and the Court is expected to conduct a Case Management Conference in the near future. The defense lawyers have raised concerns about not being served with Prosecution’s latest processes filed on February 2.
As this complex legal matter progresses, it is essential to uphold the principles of justice and ensure a fair trial for all parties involved. The Court will continue to deliberate on the various aspects of this case, and further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
-source StarrFM | curated by Aisha Yakubu | Ghana Crimes
