Court grants A-G more time in GH¢49m cyber-security scandal case

The High Court in Accra, presided over by Justice John Nyadu Nyante, has granted the prosecution a one-week extension to file its disclosures and witness statements in the ongoing high-profile trial involving the alleged misappropriation of GH?49 million in a cyber-security contract.

The Deputy Attorney General (DAG), Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, appeared before the court to explain the prosecution’s inability to meet the May 20 deadline set by the court. He cited the unavailability of a key investigator whose signature was required to finalize the documents.

“Our failure to comply with the orders was never deliberate or intentional,” Dr. Srem-Sai stated: “We respectfully request a one-week adjournment. The investigator is expected back on Friday.”

Defense Counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, did not oppose the request, noting that under Article 88(3) of the 1992 Constitution, the Attorney General has sole authority over criminal prosecutions. “We won’t stand in the way of the Deputy Attorney General,” he assured the court.

During proceedings, the court also addressed a housekeeping matter regarding the bail status of the third accused person.

While all three accused were initially believed to be on court bail, the DAG clarified that the third accused had been on Police Inquiry bail, not court bail, at the time bail was granted.

Justice Nyante, after hearing both parties, clarified the legal standing.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this Court hereby restates that the third accused person has been admitted to court bail as of May 13, 2025, on the same terms as the existing Police Inquiry Bail.”

The court directed the Attorney General’s office to file all disclosures no later than June 2, 2025. The matter was adjourned to June 11 for a Case Management Conference (CMC). Justice Nyante also ordered that any plea bargaining discussions with the accused persons may only take place after the disclosures have been formally served on them.

Background of the Case

At the center of the trial is Kwabena Adu-Boahene, Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), formerly the Bureau of National Communications (BNC), who is accused alongside two others, including his wife, of causing financial loss to the Republic under the pretence of procuring a cyber-defense system for Ghana from ISC Holdings Limited.

The prosecution alleges that state funds were misappropriated for personal benefit, including the acquisition of 37 properties in Ghana and overseas.

The court continues to hear the matter as the prosecution prepares its full case.

 

The post Court grants A-G more time in GH¢49m cyber-security scandal case appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.

Read Full Story