An Accra High Court heard on Tuesday that cheque books linked to former National Signals Bureau (NSB) Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahene and his wife, Angela Adjei Boateng, were signed long before withdrawals were made. The revelation came from the third prosecution witness, Mildred Donkor, a former director at Advantage Solutions Limited, during her testimony in the GH¢49 million NSB financial trial.
The court, presided over by Justice Francis Achibonga at Criminal Court 3, was presented with twelve cheque books as evidence. Donkor identified these as belonging to Advantage Solutions and other associated companies, including BNC Communications Bureau Ltd and Vertex Solutions Ltd, all holding accounts with Universal Merchant Bank (UMB).
Witness Describes Role in Fund Disbursements
Mildred Donkor testified that her involvement commenced after the cheque books were already signed by Adu-Boahene and his wife. She stated that she filled in the cheque leaflets with specific amounts based on verbal instructions received from either Adu-Boahene or his wife.
Following the completion of the cheques, Donkor explained that she personally facilitated the withdrawals or delegated the task to associates. The funds obtained were then disbursed in various ways.
According to her testimony, some of the withdrawn cash was handed directly to the accused individuals. Other portions were passed through her before reaching their final destinations. Additionally, Donkor indicated that a significant part of the funds was paid to third-party suppliers.
Among the recipients mentioned was Margaret Aba Donkor, identified as the mother of the former NSB Director-General. Funds were allegedly provided to her for the procurement of building materials for a construction project located at Asokore in Kumasi. Further payments were made to suppliers for construction essentials such as iron rods and cement.
Record-Keeping and Defence Objections
To meticulously track these financial transactions, Mildred Donkor maintained personal records. These records were kept in a notebook and an independently created Excel spreadsheet to aid in reconciliation processes.
Donkor expressed her intention to present these documents, along with a pen drive containing related information, as evidence before the court. However, the defence team, led by Samuel Atta Akyea, raised an objection to the immediate admission of these materials.
The defence argued that they had only recently received the documents and required adequate time to review them thoroughly before they could be formally presented as evidence. The prosecution team acknowledged the defence’s concern and agreed to defer this particular aspect of the proceedings to ensure a fair and comprehensive hearing for all parties involved.
Charges Against the Accused
Kwabena Adu-Boahene faces multiple charges, including defrauding by false pretences, wilfully causing financial loss to the state, using public office for personal gain, and obtaining public property by false pretences. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
His wife, Angela Adjei Boateng, is charged with conspiracy to use public office for personal gain, conspiracy to launder money, and money laundering. She also denies the charges brought against her.
Future Proceedings and Implications
The testimony regarding pre-signed cheques and the subsequent disbursement of funds is a critical development in the ongoing trial. The court’s decision on the admissibility of Donkor’s personal records will be closely watched, as these documents could provide further corroboration for the prosecution’s case.
The trial is expected to continue with further witness testimonies and the examination of financial records. Observers will be keen to see how the defence addresses these allegations and whether they can successfully challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution regarding the alleged misuse of GH¢49 million from the National Signals Bureau.
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