Kwabena Adu-Boahene, the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), previously known as the Bureau of National Communications (BNC), has entered a plea of not guilty to several serious charges. These charges include allegedly causing a financial loss of GH₵49 million to the state in a cyber-defense software deal.
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dominic Ayine, has brought forward several allegations against Adu-Boahene. These include three counts of stealing, one count of willfully causing financial loss to the state, using public office for profit, defrauding by false pretense, and obtaining public property by false statement.
Involvement of Additional Parties
Adu-Boahene is not facing these charges alone. His wife, Angela Adjei Boateng, is also jointly charged with using a public office for profit and conspiracy to steal. Furthermore, they, along with Mildred Donkor, a former bank relations officer, and a company named Advantage Solutions System, are facing charges of conspiracy to launder money and substantive money laundering.
During their appearance at the High Court on April 30, all accused parties pleaded not guilty. Their lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, was present at the hearing. The court has allowed them to remain on bail until May 2, when it will decide on the prosecution’s request to remand Adu-Boahene. Justice Eugene Nyante Nyadu is presiding over the case, with the next hearing set for a private session.
Details of the Allegations
The prosecution alleges that in 2018, while Adu-Boahene was serving as Director-General of the BNC, he and his wife established a private entity called “BNC Communication Bureau Limited” with a name similar to the official national bureau. In January 2020, Adu-Boahene reportedly signed a contract worth GH₵49 million with the Israeli company ISC Holdings Ltd. for a software system named “Cyber Defence System” on behalf of the government and National Security Council.
However, the Attorney-General argues that the software was never delivered to any relevant Ghanaian agency or entity. An inventory check by the National Security Secretariat confirmed the non-receipt of any such equipment.
The prosecution further claims that the GH₵49 million paid to the private BNC was redirected through various companies owned by Advantage Solutions System. Investigations suggest that these funds were used
Source: https://www.graphic.com.gh/
