Adu-Boahene defence accuses Deputy AG of misrepresenting court evidence

The prosecution and defence have publicly disputed key evidence in the criminal trial of former National Signals Bureau Director Kwabena Adu-Boahene and two others, days before the High Court is expected to conclude proceedings.

Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai said on Facebook that prosecutors had presented a strong body of evidence to support charges that the accused diverted GHC49.1 million belonging to the state.

Prosecution outlines case

Srem-Sai said the money originated from a Government of Ghana account held by a state agency and that there was no dispute in court over its source.

He alleged that Adu-Boahene opened a private company bank account designed to resemble that of a government agency and used it to receive three cheques intended for a state institution.

The Deputy Attorney-General also said prosecutors had tendered evidence tracing the use of the funds to the purchase of houses, luxury vehicles and other assets for the accused, relatives and associates.

He further alleged that the equipment the funds were intended to procure was never purchased and that forged receipts were submitted to conceal the transactions.

“We believe that justice will be served to both the accused persons and our beloved Republic at the end of the day,” Srem-Sai wrote.

Defence rejects claims

The prosecution’s account was challenged by defence-aligned commentator Kwesi Botchway Jnr, who said the Deputy Attorney-General’s statements did not accurately reflect the evidence presented before the court.

Botchway argued that the Attorney-General had informed the High Court it was unable to produce some documents ordered by the Court of Appeal, including evidence relating to the source of the GHC49.1 million.

He also said prosecution witnesses testified that the transactions were authorised by the then National Security Coordinator and that the Fidelity Bank account in question functioned as a National Security Special Operations Account.

Botchway further argued that investigators had not identified any alternative account into which the funds should have been paid and disputed claims that prosecutors had produced evidence linking the accused to the purchase of properties or vehicles.

He said the case should be decided solely on evidence admitted by the court rather than public commentary.

Trial nearing conclusion

Adu-Boahene and two others are standing trial over allegations that GHC49.1 million intended for a government cyber defence project was diverted through a private company account.

The accused persons have denied the charges.

The High Court is expected to conclude proceedings in the case next week.