A-G yet to decide on plea bargain request from first accused Patience Botwe in Cecilia Dapaah theft case

The Office of the Attorney-General has not yet made a decision on a plea bargain request submitted by Patience Botwe, the first accused in the ongoing trial involving the theft of cash, jewellery, and personal items belonging to former Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Dapaah.

Botwe and her co-accused, Sarah Agyei—both of whom worked as housemaids for the former minister—have been charged with conspiracy and stealing. Five others, Benjamin Sowah, Malik Dauda, Christiana Achab, Job Pomary, and Yahaya Sumaila, are facing charges of dishonestly receiving stolen money.

During the previous court sitting, State Attorney Abena Konadu Adjei informed the court that five of the accused had submitted plea bargain petitions to the Attorney-General’s office. However, appearing in court on Monday, May 12, she revealed that four of those requests—from Sarah Agyei, Benjamin Sowah, Malik Dauda, and Yahaya Sumaila—had since been withdrawn.

The Attorney-General is now left to consider only the plea bargain request from Patience Botwe. The State Attorney requested additional time for the A-G’s office to arrive at a decision.

Presiding Judge Marie Louise Simmons directed the prosecution to refile their motions after the State indicated plans to apply for a freeze order on properties allegedly acquired by the accused using stolen funds.

Meanwhile, the lawyer representing the third and fourth accused persons cross-examined the former minister. The case was subsequently adjourned to Friday, May 16.