The Accra Human Rights Court has reviewed the bail conditions for Kwabena Adu Boahene, the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), following a legal challenge by his lawyers.
The court reduced Adu Boahene’s bail sum from GH¢120 million to GH¢80 million, requiring two sureties, one of whom must be justified. Meanwhile, his wife, Angela Adjei Boateng, retained her GH¢80 million bail condition with two sureties to be justified.
Both individuals are mandated to report to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) three times a week. Additionally, their travel has been restricted, and they can only leave the country with EOCO’s explicit permission.
The couple, arrested last week over allegations of state fund embezzlement, petitioned the Human Rights Court, arguing that the initial bail conditions were excessive.
Samuel Atta Akyea Esq., their lead counsel, contended that the GH¢120 million and GH¢80 million bail requirements were unreasonably high and appeared to bypass constitutional limits on detention. On Friday, March 28, he successfully argued for a downward review of Adu Boahene’s bail.
However, Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem Sai opposed the reduction, asserting that the couple posed a flight risk. He revealed that authorities were investigating whether they possessed foreign passports in addition to their Ghanaian passports.
Justice Srem Sai also alleged that Angela Adjei Boateng attempted to destroy evidence, claiming she was seen moving suspected currency bills into suitcases on the night of her husband’s arrest.
Adu Boahene was arrested at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) last week upon his arrival from London on a British Airways flight. His wife was subsequently detained when she visited EOCO to inquire about his status.
He faces allegations of embezzling state funds, particularly in connection to a $7 million cyber defence system contract. Attorney-General Dr. Ayine disclosed the details during a press conference on March 24.
The contract, signed on January 30, 2020, was meant to enhance Ghana’s cybersecurity infrastructure by improving the nation’s ability to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats. It was awarded to Israeli firm RLC Holdings Limited through the National Security Ministry.
Despite the project’s national security significance, Adu Boahene is accused of unauthorized financial transactions. On February 6, 2020, just days after signing the contract, he allegedly transferred GH¢27.1 million from the National Signals Bureau’s Fidelity Bank account into a private UMB account belonging to BNC, a company he co-founded with his wife. This transfer was reportedly recorded as payment for the cyber defence system software.
Investigators believe the funds were laundered through real estate investments in Accra and abroad, prompting legal action against the couple.
