Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dominic Ayine, has disclosed the arrest of Kwabena Adu Boahene, the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB) who was taken into custody over allegations of diverting $7 million meant for a cyber defense system into his private account.
Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, March 24, Dr. Ayine revealed that Adu Boahene’s arrest followed an investigation into financial misconduct linked to a contract with an Israeli company, RLC Holdings Limited. The deal, signed on January 30, 2020, was meant to enhance Ghana’s cybersecurity capabilities. However, authorities discovered that the funds were redirected for personal use.
According to the Attorney-General, Adu Boahene transferred GH¢27.1 million from the National Signals Bureau’s account at Fidelity Bank to a private account at UMB Bank on February 6, 2020.
Official records indicate that the amount was intended for cybersecurity software, but investigations showed that the money was deposited into his private company’s account instead.
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Further scrutiny uncovered that Adu Boahene allegedly moved a total of GHS 49 million (approximately $7 million) from the Bureau’s funds into personal accounts under the pretense of purchasing cyber defense systems.
On February 25, 2025, Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) received intelligence that Adu Boahene had fled Ghana, boarding British Airways flight BA078 to the UK. However, reports later indicated that he had continued his journey to Dubai.
Authorities tracked his movements and discovered that he had initially planned to return to Ghana on March 21, 2025, via Emirates Flight EK187 but later rescheduled to April 8. Suspicions grew when a name resembling his appeared on a British Airways flight manifest, suggesting he had altered his identity to avoid detection.
On March 21, 2025, Adu Boahene was intercepted by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) at Kotoka International Airport while attempting to use the Commercially Important Persons (CIP) terminal.
During the press briefing, Dr. Ayine stated that Adu Boahene holds multiple passports, including at least two service passports and possibly a foreign passport. This raised concerns about his nationality status and potential international connections.
EOCO’s investigation also revealed that his wife holds a British passport, strengthening suspicions of financial transfers to foreign accounts. Authorities believe that several individuals may have received funds from Adu Boahene’s private accounts.
As the probe deepens, EOCO has identified key individuals linked to the scheme. Initial findings confirm that while GHS 9.5 million (about $1.75 million) was paid to ISC Holdings, the remaining funds were redirected to private investments and undisclosed recipients.
Dr. Ayine assured the public that all individuals involved will be held accountable. The Attorney-General’s office has vowed to ensure justice is served and recover misappropriated funds.
