Judge directs former NSB boss to engage new lawyer or cross-examine prosecution witness himself

Justice Francis Achibonga has ordered the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau, Kwabena Adu-Boahene, to either hire a new lawyer or cross-examine the prosecution witness personally on August 17. Adu-Boahene, along with two others, is accused of embezzlement and financial misconduct in connection with a $7 million, or GH¢49 million, cyber defense system contract.

Adu-Boahene's counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, was absent during Tuesday's court session. The judge learned from Adu-Boahene that his lawyer might be overseas. The Deputy Attorney-General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, informed the court that Adu-Boahene had informed the Chief Justice, court registrar, and Ghana Bar Association about his intention not to attend court during the legal break.

The judge then pushed back the case to August 17, warning Adu-Boahene to personally interrogate the state's fourth and final witness. Adu-Boahene denies the charges and is currently on bail. His attorney maintains that his client did not commit any offense and will vigorously contest the prosecution's case. Dr. Srem-Sai revealed that the prosecution, along with investigators from the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), presented evidence showing that the GH¢49.1 million government fund, held in a government agency's bank account, was fraudulently diverted.

They also showed bank statements, purchase receipts, and ownership documents, proving that Adu-Boahene used the funds within six months to buy prime properties and luxury vehicles for himself, his family, and associates. An EOCO investigator, Frank Marshall Cromwell, testified that Adu-Boahene sent GH¢9.54 million (equivalent to $1.75 million) to an Israeli company contracted for the cyber defense system, but made no further payments.

The investigator claimed the remaining funds were misused for personal gain until the account was closed and transferred to another company linked to Adu-Boahene.