A High Court judge in Ghana has issued a warning to Kwesi Botchway Jnr, the deputy communications director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), over his social media comments on the ongoing trial of former National Signals Bureau Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahene. The judge expressed concern that Botchway's remarks could prejudice the trial and threatened to take action if he continues to make such comments. Botchway is part of Adu-Boahene's defence team and has been making comments about the case on social media.
The warning was given during court proceedings on October 30, 2026, according to reports from GhanaWeb and TV3. The judge singled out Botchway's online remarks about the proceedings, stating that they could influence public perceptions of the case. As a defence lawyer and NPP spokesperson, Botchway's comments can reach a wide audience, which is at the centre of the judge's concern. The judge's warning came with a threat, stating that she would not spare Botchway if he continues to make such comments.
The trial of Kwabena Adu-Boahene involves allegations of embezzlement and financial misconduct related to a multimillion-dollar cyber defence system contract. Adu-Boahene, who previously headed the National Signals Bureau, is facing charges alongside others. The case has drawn significant public attention due to his former position overseeing one of Ghana's national security agencies. The trial has continued to generate commentary outside the courtroom, even as proceedings continue inside.
The court has also dismissed an application filed by Adu-Boahene's lawyers to strike out portions of the prosecution's reply. The defence had argued that the prosecution's reply contained fabricated or wrongly attributed evidence. However, the court ruled that it was not its role to investigate whether prosecution counsel had relied on non-existent evidence or misattributed statements to witnesses.
The court noted that the defence had already exercised its right of reply and set out its objections extensively, which the court had taken note of. The ruling was shared by Botchway himself on Facebook on October 29, 2026. The judge's warning to Botchway and the court's ruling on the application are significant developments in the trial.
The case has continued to generate interest due to its connection to national security and allegations of financial misconduct. The judge's warning to Botchway highlights the challenges of balancing the right to free speech with the need to ensure a fair trial. The trial is ongoing, with the court yet to deliver a verdict.
The judge's warning to Botchway serves as a reminder to all parties involved in the trial to exercise caution in their public comments. The court's commitment to ensuring a fair trial is crucial in maintaining public trust in the justice system. The trial's outcome will be closely watched, given its implications for national security and accountability in Ghana.
Key points
- The judge warned Botchway that she would not spare him if he continues to make social media comments about the trial.
- The court dismissed an application to strike out prosecution evidence.
- The trial involves allegations of embezzlement and financial misconduct related to a multimillion-dollar cyber defence system contract.
