Kwabena Adu Boahene, the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), was arrested for allegedly diverting a $7 million cyber defence system contract into his private account.
This was made known by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Dominic Ayine, during a press conference on Monday, March 24, 2025.
According to Dr. Ayine, the arrest was part of investigations into financial misconduct involving the misuse of public funds earmarked for a critical cybersecurity project. The $7 million contract was intended to enhance Ghana’s ability to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats, data breaches, and digital espionage.
According to the Attorney-General, Mr. Adu Boahene on January 30, 2020, signed a contract on behalf of the Government of Ghana and the National Security with an Israeli company named RLC Holdings Limited for the purchase of a cyber defense system software at a price of $7 million.
However, just a week after signing the agreement, Mr. Adu Boahene reportedly transferred an initial amount of GH¢27.1 million (approximately $2.3 million) from the NSB’s account at Fidelity Bank to a private BNC account at Universal Merchant Bank (UMB).
Official documentation on the transfer indicated that the payment was intended for the cyber defense software, yet the funds were redirected to his private company.
The Attorney-General expressed concern over the severe breach of trust, considering the strategic importance of the cyber defense project. “This action not only undermines our national security efforts but also erodes public confidence in the management of critical state institutions,” Dr. Ayine stated.
He assured the public that the investigation would be thorough and transparent, with all necessary legal processes followed to ensure justice is served. The government, he added, is committed to tackling corruption and safeguarding public resources.
