The Adu Boahene GHS 49M NSB case and matters arising

The presiding judge, His Lordship Justice John Eugene Nyante, issued a firm directive on Monday, May 26, instructing the accused persons and their legal team to suspend any moves toward a plea agreement until the prosecution completes its disclosure obligations.

The judge emphasized that plea bargaining is a procedural option that must only be considered after full disclosure of evidence has been made available to the defence. 

He therefore ordered the prosecution to file all outstanding disclosures by June 2, after missing a previously set deadline of May 20.

Speaking to the press, lead defense counsel Samuel Atta Akyea noted that the court had discouraged premature discussions on plea deals, describing such talks as inappropriate at this stage of case management. He also dismissed media speculation suggesting his clients were seeking a deal.

Background of the Case

Attorney-General Dominic Ayine has charged Kwabena Adu Boahene, his wife Angela Adjei Boateng, former bank officer Mildred Donkor, and their company, Advantage Solutions Limited, with 11 criminal offences. These include defrauding by false pretences, stealing, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.

The charges stem from a $7 million cybersecurity contract Adu Boahene, while serving as NSB boss, allegedly signed with Israeli company ISC Holdings Limited. The deal was reportedly never fulfilled, yet approximately GHS 49 million in state funds were funneled through entities linked to the accused, including BNC Communications Bureau Limited—a company he formed with his wife while still in office.

Investigations allege that only an initial $1.75 million was transferred to ISC Holdings. The remaining funds were diverted and used for personal gain, with investments traced to treasury bills, real estate, fertiliser manufacturing, and luxury vehicle rentals.

Court documents suggest that the accused used Advantage Solutions Limited as a shell company to launder the stolen funds through its subsidiaries.

Adu Boahene was arrested at Kotoka International Airport on March 20 after returning from abroad. He was later granted bail pending trial.