Prosecution files witness statements in GHS 49.1 million NSB cybersecurity fraud case

The prosecution has filed detailed witness statements in the high-profile trial involving former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Kwabena Adu-Boahene, his wife Angela Adjei-Boateng, their associate Mildred Boateng, and their jointly owned company, Adantage Solutions Limited.

The accused are standing trial for multiple charges including stealing, conspiracy, and causing financial loss to the state.

Three of the newly submitted statements filed by lead investigator Frank Marshall Cromwell, Director of Finance at the NSB Edith Ruby Opokua Adumua, and a self-described errand assistant Frank Anane Dekpey.

The Alleged Fraud Scheme

According to Cromwell’s testimony, the accused orchestrated a scheme to siphon GH¢49.1 million in state funds under the guise of procuring a cybersecurity defense system. Cromwell named Adu-Boahene (referred to as A1) as the principal architect of the operation, working in tandem with his wife (A2), their associate (A3), and their private firm (A4).

He recounted that on January 30, 2020, A1—acting as Director of the Bureau of National Communications—signed a US$7 million contract with Israeli tech firm ISC Holdings Limited. The equivalent amount in Ghana cedis was drawn from a government account at Fidelity Bank and paid into an account at UMB Bank, under the name “BNC Communications Bureau – Operations,” which Cromwell alleges was controlled by A1 and A2.

Only GH¢9.5 million was paid to the Israeli vendor, with the remainder allegedly misappropriated. Cromwell revealed that on March 2, 2023, A1 and A2 co-signed a letter instructing UMB Bank to close all BNC accounts and transfer the remaining balance to another account held by A4.

Finance Director Confirms Irregular Transactions

Edith Ruby Adumua, the NSB’s Director of Finance, supported the prosecution’s narrative, affirming that the Bureau operated three bank accounts—two with the Bank of Ghana and one with Fidelity Bank. While official accounts required strict authorization protocols, she noted that the “BNC Operations” account was under the direct control of A1.

She recalled multiple occasions when A1 would give verbal instructions to prepare large cheques, which were then signed by himself and the late National Security Coordinator, Joshua Kyeremeh. A significant instance occurred on February 6, 2020, when a GH¢27.1 million cheque was issued and later discovered to have been deposited into a private account allegedly linked to A1 and A2. Further cheques totaling GH¢22 million followed a similar pattern.

Despite her concerns, Ms. Adumua explained that the NSB’s rigid “need-to-know” environment prevented her from challenging the transactions. She also verified that a portion—US$3.11 million—was paid to ISC Holdings, although she noted this specific payment is not directly connected to the present charges.

‘Errand Boy’ Details Cash Transfers

In a revealing account, Frank Anane Dekpey, a church member of A1 and self-described errand assistant, described how he routinely handled cash transactions on behalf of the accused. Acting on the instructions of A3, he said he frequently visited UMB and Stanbic banks to either deposit or withdraw cash.

Dekpey said he delivered sealed envelopes to A1’s Labone office, often transporting the cash in large “Ghana Must Go” bags. Though rarely informed of the amounts involved, he said bank staff were usually briefed ahead of his visits, and he was asked to sign and leave his contact information each time.