Adu-Boahene GHS271 million transfer to private firm disputed

Lawyers are challenging claims that funds from the National Signals Bureau (NSB) were diverted into a personal account. The lawyer for former NSB Director-General, Kwabena Adu-Boahene, stated in court that an account in question was not private. He said it was an official National Security Special Operations account.

This statement follows accusations from the Attorney-General. The Attorney-General stated Adu-Boahene transferred large sums, reportedly up to $7 million, to a UMB personal account. However, Adu-Boahene's lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, argues that evidence, including deposit slips, shows the account is institutional. Defense lawyers said prosecution witnesses also confirm this.

The case began from a $7 million contract on January 30, 2020. This contract was between NSB and RLC Holdings Limited for cyber defense software. Only $1.75 million was paid to the vendor. The remaining $5.25 million, which is about GHS39.5 million, was allegedly sent to BNC Communications Bureau Limited. This company is said to be linked to Adu-Boahene. Furthermore, on February 6, 2020, GHS271 million was reportedly moved from an NSB account at Fidelity Bank to a UMB account linked to BNC. This transfer was also for the same software.

The defense team denies these claims. They say that accusations of personal enrichment are not supported by facts heard in court. The trial will continue with more witnesses and documents. The case highlights issues of how national security funds are managed.