The Deputy Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, has indicated that the prosecution expects to close its case next week in the ongoing trial of former National Signals Bureau (NSB) Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahene and two others.
Dr Srem-Sai stated that the prosecution had already placed substantial evidence before the Accra High Court in support of the charges against the accused persons.
According to the Deputy Attorney-General, the prosecution has led evidence which it says establishes that the GH¢49.1 million at the centre of the case was public money belonging to the Government of Ghana and held in the account of a government agency.
He further stated that the prosecution had adduced evidence alleging that Mr Adu-Boahene opened a new bank account in the name of a private company which closely resembled that of a government agency and used it to receive three cheques that were intended for the agency.
Dr Srem-Sai also said the prosecution had traced the movement and expenditure of the funds, alleging that the money was spent within six months on the acquisition of houses, luxury vehicles and other assets. He added that bank statements, purchase receipts and ownership documents had been tendered in evidence to support those allegations.
The Deputy Attorney-General further asserted that the prosecution had placed before the court evidence suggesting that the accused persons initially denied ownership of certain companies, bank accounts and properties but later admitted their connection to them when confronted during investigations.
He also maintained that the prosecution had presented evidence disputing Mr Adu-Boahene’s public claim that the funds were used to finance political campaigns in 2024. According to him, the prosecution further contends that the bank account into which the funds were paid was eventually closed after it was flagged as suspicious by the bank, and that the cybersecurity equipment for which the funds were allegedly intended was never procured. The prosecution additionally alleges that forged purchase receipts were created in an attempt to conceal that fact.
Dr Srem-Sai concluded by expressing confidence in the prosecution’s case and said he believed justice would ultimately be served to both the accused persons and the Republic.
Mr Adu-Boahene, his wife Angela Boateng, and Advantage Solutions Limited have pleaded not guilty to the charges and remain on trial before the Accra High Court.
Should the prosecution formally close its case next week, as indicated by the Deputy Attorney-General, the proceedings will enter the next procedural phase, during which the court will determine whether the prosecution has established a prima facie case requiring the accused persons to answer the charges. At that stage, the defence may make a submission of no case to answer, arguing that the prosecution’s evidence is insufficient to warrant the accused being called upon to mount a defence.
If the court upholds that submission, or otherwise finds that no prima facie case has been established, the accused persons will be acquitted without being required to present a defence. However, if the court finds that there is a case to answer, the accused persons will be called upon to open their defence before the trial proceeds to final addresses and, ultimately, judgment.
