Samson’s Take on Adu-Boahene: GHS49.1m stolen, or a story the evidence cannot sustain

The High Court has dismissed a motion by lawyers representing former National Signals Bureau Director General Kwabena Adu-Boahene and his co-accused to dismiss certain sections of the Attorney General's written submissions. The court's decision stresses that a complaint about smuggling evidence or attributing testimony incorrectly is not relevant, as the court will only consider the evidence presented during the trial.

If such evidence is found to be non-existent, the court will remove it. The early stage of the trial is merely for determining whether there is enough evidence to proceed, not for pronouncing guilt.

The prosecution has presented four witnesses and then closed their case. The defense, in a 142-page submission, argues that the entire 49.1 million Ghana cedis did not necessarily need to have been dishonestly appropriated from the initial allegations. They cite banking records and transactions involving the National Security Coordinator, who they claim authorized the transactions.

The defense also questions why other national security officials were not called to clarify the authorization procedures and purpose of the payments. They challenge the prosecution's account of the cybersecurity procurement, arguing that they have not established the contracts, invoices, and alleged non-delivery. They also question whether the identified luxury properties were acquired with the allegedly stolen funds.

Lastly, they dispute whether the evidence establishes that Adu-Boahene's wife knowingly participated in the alleged crimes.