Omanghana
The prosecution is expected to conclude its case next week in the high-profile criminal trial involving allegations of the theft of GH¢49.1 million in state funds linked to the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Kwabena Adu-Boahene.
Ghana’s Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, has stated that prosecutors and investigators have presented a strong body of evidence aimed at proving the charges against the accused persons beyond reasonable doubt.
The case, which is being heard at the Accra High Court, has attracted significant public attention due to the amount of money involved and the national security institution at the center of the allegations.
Former NSB Director and Associates Facing Multiple Charges
The trial involves Kwabena Adu-Boahene, who served as Director-General of the NSB, along with three other accused parties:
- Angela Adjei-Boateng, his wife
- Mildred Donkor, a business associate
- Advantage Solutions Limited, a private company linked to the accused persons
They are facing several criminal charges, including:
- Stealing
- Money laundering
- Defrauding by false pretenses
- Willfully causing financial loss to the state
Prosecutors allege that the accused persons were involved in a scheme that resulted in significant financial damage to the government.
Alleged Cybersecurity Contract Fraud
The prosecution’s case centers on a disputed cybersecurity procurement agreement involving the NSB.
According to state prosecutors, the events unfolded as follows:
International Contract Signed
On January 30, 2020, Adu-Boahene allegedly entered into an agreement with Israeli company ISC Holdings Limited for the acquisition of a cybersecurity network intended to strengthen Ghana’s cyber defense capabilities.
GH¢49.1 Million Transferred
The government subsequently transferred GH¢49.1 million from the NSB’s operational accounts to finance the project.
Investigators Claim System Was Never Delivered
However, investigators from the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) told the court that the NSB never received the cyber defense system or software that was supposedly being purchased.
The prosecution alleges that instead of being used for the intended security project, the funds were diverted into private accounts and companies allegedly connected to Adu-Boahene and his wife.
Key Evidence Presented During Trial
Several state witnesses have provided testimony that prosecutors say strengthens their case against the accused.
Cheques Linked to Private Accounts
EOCO lead investigator Frank Marshall Cromwell testified that Adu-Boahene and his wife issued three cheques totaling approximately $7 million into a joint private bank account.
Prosecutors argue that the payments represented part of the funds allegedly diverted from the state.
Cash Transported in Plastic Bags
An errand assistant who worked under the former NSB director also gave testimony describing how large amounts of cash were allegedly moved from official custody.
The witness told the court that significant sums were transported using large plastic bags, reportedly referred to as “Ghana Must Go” bags, providing investigators with a timeline of the movement of funds.
NSB Finance Director Testifies
The NSB Finance Director also appeared before the court and confirmed that he issued corporate cheques to a private entity.
According to his testimony, the payments were made because he was instructed to do so by his superior officer, Adu-Boahene.
Court Freezes Properties and Assets
As the trial continues, the High Court has taken measures to protect state assets linked to the alleged financial loss.
Several luxury properties and assets believed to be connected to the GH¢49.1 million under investigation have been frozen by court order pending the outcome of the proceedings.
The court previously rejected applications from the defense seeking to halt the trial or obtain access to historical classified national security documents dating back to 1992.
Prosecution Nears End of Case
With the state expected to close its case next week, attention will turn to whether the defense team will present evidence in response to the allegations.
The prosecution maintains that the evidence presented—including financial records, witness testimony, and investigative findings—demonstrates a coordinated effort to divert public funds.
The accused persons have denied wrongdoing, and the court will ultimately determine whether the state has proven its case against them.
Source: Omanghana
