The Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Eugene Nyadu Nyantei, has definitively rejected a crucial application from former National Security Bureau (NSB) Director General, Kwabena Adu-Boahene, and three co-accused. The application, filed on June 23, sought extensive access to decades-old National Security operational financial records, stretching as far back as 1992. The defence team, led by Samuel Atta Akyea, argued that these documents were essential to substantiate claims of “selective prosecution” and ultimately clear their clients of criminal charges.

During the proceedings on Thursday, July 3, Atta Akyea passionately asserted that the Attorney-General’s office was deliberately “cherry-picking” disclosures and concealing evidence that could exonerate the accused. He stated that the state’s selective revelation of parts of the National Security Coordinator’s Special Operations account necessitated a broader inquiry into records spanning six different governments, from Rawlings to Mahama. The defence maintained that the requested nearly three decades of records were critical to unmask what they described as a “politically motivated” prosecution.

However, Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem Sai countered the defence’s arguments, characterizing the request as a mere “fishing expedition” that lacked direct relevance to the charges at hand. The core of the prosecution’s case alleges that Kwabena Adu-Boahene, Angela Adjei Boateng, Mildred Donkor, and their company, Advantage Solutions Limited, misappropriated public funds. Specifically, they are accused of illicitly transferring money from a government account into a private company they secretly owned.

Following the dismissal of the application for the national security records, Atta Akyea made a final plea for a short adjournment. This requested time would allow the defence to “digest” the court’s ruling and evaluate potential next steps, including an appeal or a stay of proceedings. Despite this, Dr. Srem Sai remained firm, urging the court to proceed with the substantive trial as scheduled on July 18, without further delay.

The courtroom was charged with tension, as Atta Akyea accused the prosecution of “hiding documents” and relentlessly pushing for a “hasty trial at all costs.” With the motion now dismissed, the stage is set for a contentious trial. The critical question remains whether Adu-Boahene’s team will eventually uncover the records they believe are vital to their defence, or if those potentially incriminating secrets will remain concealed, leaving the outcome to unfold both within and potentially beyond the confines of the courtroom in the coming weeks.