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The Accra High Court has acquitted Kwabena Adu-Boahene, the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), of two charges in a high-profile GH₵49.1 million cyber-security procurement trial. Despite this partial acquittal, the court ruled that the prosecution established a prima facie case for several other charges, directing Adu-Boahene to open his defence on eight remaining counts, including conspiracy to commit money laundering and theft.
The ruling, delivered following the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, dismissed charges of defrauding by false pretences and obtaining public property by false statements. The court held that the state failed to provide sufficient evidence to support these specific allegations. However, for the majority of the indictment, the court found that the prosecution's witnesses provided enough evidence regarding the movement of funds linked to the National Signals Bureau to warrant a formal response from the accused.
Represented by Samuel Atta Akyea, Adu-Boahene is among several individuals implicated in the procurement scandal. The prosecution, led by Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, argued that the movement of public funds through various channels constituted a criminal breach of trust and money laundering. The court specifically noted that evidence from prosecution witnesses highlighted irregularities in fund movements associated with the NSB that require explanation.
The case has been adjourned, with the court ordering the accused individuals to present their defences by December 4. This trial continues to draw significant public interest due to the substantial amount involved and the sensitive nature of cyber-security procurement within the national security apparatus. The acquittal on two counts marks a significant turn in the proceedings as the legal team for the former Director-General prepares to address the remaining eight charges.