Counsel for former National Signals Bureau Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahen has filed a no-case submission in the GH¢49.1 million trial. Lead counsel Samuel Atta Akyea made the application after the State concluded its case. The submission argues that the prosecution has failed to present sufficient evidence to warrant a defence. The case involves Mr Adu-Boahene, his wife Angela Adjei-Boateng, and Advantage Solutions Limited.
The case centres on GH¢49.1 million allegedly allocated for a cybersecurity project. According to the prosecution, the funds were transferred through three cheques from an account linked to National Security into an account belonging to BNC Communications Bureau Limited. This company is associated with the accused persons. The prosecution alleges that the money was subsequently diverted and used for purposes unrelated to the project.
The defence has challenged the prosecution’s account of the transactions. They dispute claims linking the funds to various properties and expenditures allegedly connected to the accused. Mr Atta Akyea also questioned portions of the evidence presented by prosecution witnesses. He pointed to the absence of certain individuals whom the defence considers relevant to explaining the authorisation, handling and transfer of the funds.
The accused persons have denied the allegations against them. They face charges including stealing, conspiracy to steal, defrauding by false pretences, wilfully causing financial loss to the state, using public office for profit and money laundering. The defence contends that the prosecution’s evidence contains significant gaps and inconsistencies. This is particularly evident in the testimonies of some of its witnesses.
The prosecution’s evidence has been disputed by the defence. They argue that there are inconsistencies in the testimonies of some witnesses. The defence also questions the credibility of the prosecution’s account of the transactions. They claim that the funds were used for purposes unrelated to the cybersecurity project.
The court will now consider the no-case submission filed by the defence. If the submission is successful, the case against Mr Adu-Boahene and the other accused persons could be dismissed. However, if the court rejects the submission, the case will proceed to the defence phase. The accused persons will have the opportunity to present their case.
The outcome of the case is uncertain. The court’s decision on the no-case submission will determine the next steps in the trial. The case has significant implications for the accused persons and the state. The prosecution’s allegations involve serious financial crimes, and the defence’s response has raised questions about the credibility of the evidence.
Key points
- The defence has challenged the prosecution’s account of the transactions, citing gaps and inconsistencies in the evidence.
- The accused persons face serious charges, including stealing, conspiracy to steal, and money laundering.
- The court will consider the no-case submission filed by the defence, which could potentially lead to the dismissal of the case.
