The high-profile trial of former National Security Bureau (NSB) boss Kwabena Adu-Boahene has taken a dramatic turn, with his defense team hinting at the potential disclosure of sensitive national security information in a bid to counter corruption charges.
Speaking outside the courtroom on May 13, Adu-Boahene’s lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, warned that his client’s defense could enter uncharted territory if pushed.
“They are pushing him in areas of national security. And when push comes to shove, he has to defend himself,” Atta Akyea stated.
A leaked letter, originally intended for National Security officials, was cited as evidence of Adu-Boahene’s attempts to clarify issues internally.
“And somebody will turn around. And why is the National Security Intelligence Officer trying to bring into the public domain national security matters when he swore an oath? So you swear an oath, and national security will not come to your aid, so you go to jail? That’ll be unfortunate. It will be a tragedy that cannot be calculated. That was the intention of the letter.”
However, the defense argues that continued pressure from the Attorney General’s office and the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) could force the exposure of classified intelligence.
“It’s a very dangerous path we are doing. Nobody will be ready to serve national security. If he’s serving national security. And there’s a regime change, they’ll bring you into court, to come and explain how the national security money were spent. Who’s going to work for national security? So that immunity they have is of no consequence”.
Adu-Boahene was rearrested shortly after securing bail in the GHS 49 million cybersecurity procurement scandal, raising concern about the legal process and its potential effect on Ghana’s national security framework.
His counsel cautioned that the ongoing prosecution could set a dangerous precedent, discouraging security officials from taking key roles in government.
The High Court has directed the prosecution to file all witness statements by May 20, 2025, with the case expected to resume on May 26.
