The State is scheduled to finish its case in the trial of Kwabena Adu-Boahene, former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), and two others accused of embezzlement and financial wrongdoing in connection with a $7 million cyber defence system deal.
Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, the Minister of Justice and Deputy Attorney General, made the statement on Facebook on Saturday.
Mr. Adu-Boahene is on bail after entering a not guilty plea to every allegation. Samuel Atta Akyea, his attorney, has insisted that his client did not commit any crimes and will strongly challenge the prosecution’s case.
According to Dr. Srem-Sai, the prosecution and detectives from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) had provided proof that the GH¢49.1 million, or the $7 million contract amount, was Ghanaian government funds kept in a government agency’s bank account.
He says that the prosecution also presented evidence claiming that on the day the first check was issued, Mr. Adu-Boahene opened a bank account in the name of his private company and transferred three checks meant for a government agency into that account.
He added that the State provided ownership records, purchase receipts, and bank statements to back up its allegation that the accused utilised the money within six months to buy luxury cars and homes in desirable areas for himself, his family, and colleagues.
Frank Marshall Cromwell, an EOCO investigator, previously testified that Mr. Adu-Boahene sent GH¢9.54 million, or $1.75 million, to ISC Holdings, an Israeli company hired to provide the cyber protection system, but did not make any additional payments.
The witness informed the High Court that the remaining money was purportedly taken out for personal use until the account was exhausted and then closed, at which point the remaining funds were allegedly moved to another business connected to the accused.
According to prior statements made by Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Dr. Dominic Ayine, investigations revealed that money designated for the cyber defence project—which was meant to improve Ghana’s cyber security capabilities—was taken for personal use.
Source: newsthemegh.com