An Accra High Court has ruled against admitting a 2020 budget document into evidence in the ongoing criminal trial of former National Signals Bureau Director‑General Kwabena Adu‑Boahene and others.
Presided over by Justice Francis Apangabuno Achibonga, the court rejected the defence’s attempt to tender the disputed Bureau of National Communications budget record, which the defence argued was relevant to the case. The judge agreed with the prosecution’s objection, noting that the document’s authenticity and compliance with electronic evidence requirements had not been satisfactorily proved under the Electronic Transactions Act.
The case centres on allegations that approximately GH¢49.1 million was misappropriated within the national security apparatus, with Adu‑Boahene and his co‑accused facing multiple charges including stealing, money laundering, intentional financial loss to the state, conspiracy, and abuse of public office. All accused have pleaded not guilty and were granted bail, with Adu‑Boahene’s bail valued at GH¢80 million with sureties.
During proceedings, defence counsel Samuel Atta‑Akyea questioned a prosecution witness, the Head of Finance for the National Security Bureau, on whether she had identified or reported any missing funds or raised concerns about the alleged GH¢49.1 million shortfall. The witness responded that she had neither detected nor reported any such instances, and could not confirm the source or purpose of the disputed funds despite acknowledging that they appeared within the budget she had prepared.
After the ruling, the defence requested time to obtain an admissible version of the budget documentation, prompting the court to adjourn the trial to March 24 and 25, 2026, to allow preparations ahead of the next hearing dates.
