The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dominic Ayine, has announced the arrest of Kwabena Adu-Boahene, the former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), in connection with a significant financial scandal. The allegations involve a $7 million cyber defense system contract, with accusations that Adu-Boahene diverted funds into his private accounts.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, March 24, 2025, Dr. Ayine provided a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding the arrest. He stated that Adu-Boahene, who served as the head of the NSB from 2017 until February 2025, is now facing charges related to embezzlement, fraud, and illicit financial transactions.

The arrest follows an extensive investigation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), which began after Adu-Boahene allegedly attempted to evade authorities by leaving the country. According to EOCO, Adu-Boahene departed Ghana on February 25, 2025, aboard British Airways flight BA078, initially heading to the UK. Further intelligence suggested that he continued his journey to Dubai, with a return flight booked for March 21, 2025, on Emirates Flight EK187. However, Adu-Boahene reportedly canceled this flight and rescheduled his return for April 8, prompting EOCO to intensify its surveillance operations.

Authorities discovered a name similar to Adu-Boahene's on a British Airways flight manifest, indicating a possible alteration of his name in official documents. On March 21, 2025, Adu-Boahene was intercepted by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) at the Kotoka International Airport as he attempted to use the Commercially Important Persons (CIP) terminal.

Dr. Ayine noted that Adu-Boahene is believed to possess multiple passports, including two service passports and potentially a foreign passport, raising suspicions of dual or multiple nationalities. EOCO also revealed that his wife holds a British passport. The investigation into his financial dealings has uncovered substantial evidence of illicit activity.

During his tenure as Director of the NSB, Adu-Boahene oversaw critical national security infrastructure, including contracts with foreign companies. In 2020, he signed a $7 million deal with an Israeli company, RLC Holdings Limited, for the purchase of cyber defense software. However, an audit of the NSB’s finances revealed that significant amounts of money were transferred from the Bureau’s account to Adu-Boahene’s private company, BNC Communications Bureau Limited, co-owned with his wife.

Dr. Ayine stated that Adu-Boahene allegedly transferred approximately GHS 49 million (around $7 million) from the NSB’s funds into his personal accounts, falsely claiming these transactions were payments for the cyber defense systems. While an initial payment of GHS 9.5 million (about $1.75 million) was transferred to RLC Holdings, no subsequent payments were made, with the remaining funds allegedly diverted for personal use, including investments and transfers to unknown parties.

Dr. Ayine confirmed that EOCO is continuing its investigation into Adu-Boahene’s financial dealings and has identified several individuals who may have received transfers from his private accounts. The Attorney General’s office has vowed to hold all those involved in the scheme accountable and ensure that justice is served.

In a related development, Dr. Ayine issued a stern warning to Stanbic, UMB, and Fidelity Bank, alleging their involvement in facilitating large-scale financial transactions linked to Adu-Boahene. He stated that the government is closely monitoring these transactions and is prepared to hold the institutions accountable if they are found complicit.

"All banks are warned, if we detect any wire transfers, cash withdrawals, or any financial activity involving accounts belonging to Adu-Boahene and his companies, any bank managers and employees involved in these transactions will also be arrested," he declared. He further warned employees of Kwabena Adu-Boahene against moving his assets, emphasising that they risk being reprimanded.

The ORAL team presented its final report to the president at the seat of government in Accra on Monday, February 10, 2025.