In a trial that has captured national attention, Kwabena Adu-Boahene, the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), along with three others, is facing charges of alleged financial misappropriation involving GH₵49 million earmarked for government software procurement. The case, which highlights intricate financial transactions and allegations of abuse of public office, began unfolding in court with the testimony of a key prosecution witness on July 18.
Key Testimony: Money Withdrawals Over Five Years
Frank Anane Dekpey, a chauffeur and the first prosecution witness, provided a detailed account of his role in financial transactions allegedly tied to the accused. Testifying before the court, Dekpey revealed that for the past five years, he had been withdrawing substantial sums of money—often packed in large “Ghana Must Go” bags—on instructions from Mildred Donkor, one of the accused individuals.
Dekpey explained that these withdrawals were conducted at various banks, including UMB Bank’s Labone branch and Stanbic Bank’s Airport branch. He noted that while he handled sealed cheques addressed to specific bank employees, he was often unaware of the exact amounts being withdrawn. According to his testimony, the funds were typically handed over to either Adu-Boahene or Donkor but never to Angela Adjei Boateng, Adu-Boahene’s wife and one of the co-accused.
“I normally took instructions from Mildred Donkor, with the envelope sealed, to the UMB Bank at Labone. Then I gave it to one of the employees and waited until the money was ready before I picked it up,” Dekpey told the court.
Allegations: Financial Misappropriation and Property Acquisition
The prosecution alleges that the GH₵49 million intended for government software procurement was diverted through a complex network of companies before ultimately landing in Advantage Solutions Limited (ASL), a company solely owned by Mildred Donkor. The funds were allegedly used to acquire properties in Accra, Kumasi, and London.
The charges against Adu-Boahene, his wife Angela Adjei Boateng, Mildred Donkor, and ASL include defrauding by false pretences, wilfully causing financial loss to the state, using public office for personal gain, and obtaining public property by false pretences. All four accused have pleaded not guilty to the 11 counts brought against them.
Bank Transactions and Associated Companies
Further elaborating on his role, Dekpey stated that he frequently deposited or withdrew money on Donkor’s instructions and delivered it to Adu-Boahene at his Labone office. Apart from UMB and Stanbic Banks, he mentioned Vertex Solutions Limited as another entity where he carried out multiple deposits under Donkor’s directives.
The witness also described the procedural aspects of these transactions at UMB Bank, where he was required to provide his name, phone number, and signature upon withdrawal. These receipts later became part of the evidence scrutinized during investigations.
Cross-Examination: Defence Challenges Witness Credibility
During cross-examination by Samuel Atta Akyea, counsel for one of the accused, Dekpey faced questions about his background and prior interactions with law enforcement. Akyea queried whether Dekpey had worked with National Security—a claim Dekpey denied—and probed into his arrest by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
Dekpey confirmed that he had been detained by EOCO for nearly a week during interrogation related to bank receipts bearing his signature. While defence attempts to delve deeper into the reasons for his detention were blocked by Deputy Attorney-General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah, Dekpey clarified that his detention stemmed from his involvement in handling financial transactions linked to the accused.
Legal Developments: Representation Shifts
As the trial progresses, Mildred Donkor has indicated her intention to appoint a new lawyer, signaling potential changes in her legal strategy. Donkor is currently represented by Samuel Atta Akyea.
Implications and Public Interest
This high-profile case underscores critical issues surrounding governance, accountability, and financial transparency in public institutions. The allegations against Adu-Boahene and his co-accused have drawn widespread attention due to their implications for state resources and public trust.
As proceedings continue, the court will weigh evidence from both prosecution and defence to determine whether financial misconduct occurred and whether public office was exploited for personal gain. The outcome of this trial could set significant precedents for how cases involving alleged abuse of public funds are handled in Ghana’s legal system.
Stay tuned as we follow developments in this unfolding legal saga.
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Curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrime
