High Court Dismisses Adjournment Plea in GH¢49.1m Trial of Former Signals Bureau Chief Kwadwo Adu-Boahene

The Accra High Court has dismissed an application by the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Kwadwo Adu-Boahene, to suspend his trial pending a decision from the Supreme Court. Presiding judge Justice Francis Apanga Achibonga ruled that the trial must proceed, rejecting a request by lead defense counsel Samuel Atta Akyea to wait for a Supreme Court review concerning the legality of criminal proceedings during the legal vacation. Adu-Boahene, along with several others including his wife, is facing 11 charges related to conspiracy, money laundering, and the alleged misappropriation of GH¢49.1 million intended for a national cybersecurity system.

The defense had argued for an adjournment until at least September 2, 2026, when the apex court is expected to rule on a related injunction. Atta Akyea expressed disappointment with the High Court’s decision, suggesting that judicial prudence should have favored waiting for the Supreme Court's guidance. However, the Deputy Attorney-General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, vehemently opposed the delay, informing the court that the prosecution was on the verge of completing its case and had only one day of evidence remaining. Justice Achibonga concurred with the state, noting that existing Supreme Court rulings remain binding until overturned and that no specific rule compelled him to stay proceedings due to a pending review application.

During the resumed proceedings, the court heard testimony from Frank Marshall Cromwell, a lead investigator from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). Under cross-examination, Cromwell made a significant admission that investigators had not taken a statement from ISC Holdings Limited, the purported supplier of the cyber-defence system at the heart of the case. While Cromwell confirmed that the NSB acknowledged operating certain systems from ISC Holdings, he could not specify which systems were verified, raising questions from the defense about the thoroughness of the investigation into the delivery of the high-value equipment.

Despite the ongoing legal friction, a moment of social cordiality was observed outside the courtroom as Kwadwo Adu-Boahene and Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai were seen interacting at a burial service in Berekum for the father of the current NSB Director-General, Dr. George Atta Boateng. As the trial moves forward, all eyes remain on the Supreme Court’s upcoming ruling in September, which could still influence the procedural landscape of this high-profile corruption case. All accused persons have pleaded not guilty and remain on bail as the prosecution prepares to close its case.