Mildred Donkor, a key prosecution witness in the criminal trial of former Bureau of National Communications (BNC) Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahene, could not reconcile financial transactions totaling GHS 3.7 million. During cross-examination on Thursday, June 11, she failed to match entries from her Excel spreadsheet with corresponding bank statements. This discrepancy challenges the integrity of the evidence presented by the Attorney-General.
Ms. Donkor, the third prosecution witness, could not find several alleged withdrawals in official bank records. These missing transactions include GHS 100,000, GHS 1 million, GHS 11,428.50, GHS 600,000, GHS 800,000, and GHS 1.2 million. The total sum of these unreconciled amounts is approximately GHS 3.7 million. These alleged withdrawals were recorded in the BNC Operations Account and related accounts between 2020 and 2021.
This case highlights the importance of rigorous financial record-keeping within government institutions like the BNC. Public finance transparency is crucial for maintaining trust and accountability. Previous cases in Ghana have also faced challenges due to inconsistent financial documentation. For example, recent audits have repeatedly flagged discrepancies in state-owned enterprise accounts, underscoring systemic issues in financial oversight. The Public Financial Management Act of 2016 aims to improve fiscal discipline, yet challenges persist in practical implementation.
Ms. Donkor, a former Director of Advantage Solutions Limited, was initially an accused person in the case. The Attorney-General later dropped charges against her and enlisted her as a witness. When questioned by defence counsel Samuel Atta Akyea, she acknowledged preparing the Excel records. However, she could not explain why numerous entries did not appear in the official bank statements. She stated, "If the bank had acted on it, then it should be there," indicating an expectation of bank record consistency.
The defence counsel argues that these inconsistencies undermine the prosecution's entire case. The credibility of Exhibits G, J, and J1, central to the financial narrative, is now in question. This trial could set an important precedent for how financial documentary evidence is treated in Ghana's legal system. Market observers will watch closely for the court's ultimate decision, as it could influence future public sector accountability measures. The case continues on June 15, 2026, for further cross-examination.