A recent court testimony reveals Ghana’s National Signals Bureau (NSB) never received an ordered cyber defence system. This comes despite an expenditure of GHS 49.1 million for the system.
Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) investigator Frank Marshall Cromwell made this disclosure at the Accra High Court. He testified during the trial of Kwabena Adu-Boahene, the former Director-General of the NSB. Mr. Adu-Boahene is accused of misusing funds allocated for government cybersecurity software.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about financial accountability within public institutions. It raises questions about procurement processes and oversight of government contracts. Ghana faces ongoing challenges in managing public finances and combating corruption across various sectors.
Mr. Cromwell stated that Mr. Adu-Boahene, acting for the NSB, signed an international contract on January 30, 2020. This contract was with the Israeli firm ISC Holdings Limited for the cyber defence system. GHS 49.1 million was then transferred from the NSB account to BNC Communications Limited–Operations, supposedly for this contract. Investigations revealed this account belonged to a private company controlled by Mr. Adu-Boahene and his wife.
Only GHS 9,537,500, equivalent to $1.75 million, eventually reached ISC Holdings. No further payments were made to the Israeli company. The remaining funds were allegedly withdrawn for personal use. Mr. Cromwell noted bank records showed a “spending spree” of substantial cash withdrawals. This continued until the account was depleted. Mr. Adu-Boahene then instructed the bank to close the account. He directed any remaining funds to another company he owned, identified as A4.
The EOCO investigator confirmed that the cyber defence system was never delivered. The NSB does not possess the system in its inventory. This indicates a complete failure to fulfill the primary purpose of the GHS 49.1 million expenditure. The trial involves Mr. Adu-Boahene, his wife Angela Boateng, and Advantage Solutions Limited (ASL). Prosecutors allege the funds were funneled through companies. They claim the funds were subsequently used to acquire properties in Accra, Kumasi, and London.
This trial's outcome will be closely watched by the public and financial markets. It could influence perceptions of Ghana’s commitment to good governance. Investors and international partners often consider transparency and accountability. Strong anti-corruption measures are critical for attracting foreign direct investment. The case could prompt stricter oversight of government contracts and procurement. Decision-makers may review existing financial control mechanisms. This aims to prevent similar incidents of alleged misappropriation of public funds.