Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine has confirmed the arrest of Kwabena Adu-Boahene, former Director General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), on charges of embezzlement, fraud, and illicit financial transactions.
Adu-Boahene, who led the NSB from 2017 until his departure in February 2025, is accused of siphoning millions of Ghanaian cedis in state funds into personal accounts. His arrest follows an extensive investigation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), which intensified after he allegedly attempted to flee the country.
Timeline of Events
On February 25, 2025, EOCO received intelligence that Adu-Boahene had boarded British Airways flight BA078 to the UK. Further tracking indicated that he continued his journey to Dubai, where he booked a return flight to Ghana on Emirates Flight EK187 for March 21. However, he later canceled this flight and rescheduled his return for April 8.
Suspecting an attempt to evade authorities, EOCO expanded its surveillance. The case took a significant turn when investigators discovered that a passenger with a name similar to Adu-Boahene’s had been booked on a British Airways flight, suggesting he had altered his identification documents. On March 21, 2025, Adu-Boahene was intercepted by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) at Kotoka International Airport as he attempted to use the Commercially Important Persons (CIP) terminal.
Multiple Passports and Financial Irregularities
Speaking to journalists in Accra, Dr. Ayine revealed that Adu-Boahene is believed to possess multiple passports, including two Ghanaian service passports and possibly a foreign passport, raising concerns about dual or multiple nationalities. EOCO also disclosed that his wife holds a British passport, further complicating the investigation.
During his tenure at the NSB, Adu-Boahene oversaw critical national security operations, including high-value contracts with foreign companies. In 2020, he authorized a $7 million cyber defense software deal with Israeli firm ISC Holdings Limited. However, a financial audit of the NSB exposed that substantial funds were funneled from the agency’s accounts to BNC Communications Bureau Limited, a private company co-owned by Adu-Boahene and his wife.
Investigators estimate that approximately GHS 49 million (around $7 million) was diverted into his personal accounts under the guise of payments for cyber defense systems. Although an initial sum of GHS 9.5 million (about $1.75 million) was transferred to ISC Holdings, no further payments were made, with subsequent funds being redirected for personal use, investments, and undisclosed transactions.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Action
Dr. Ayine assured the public that EOCO is actively pursuing all individuals linked to Adu-Boahene’s financial operations. Authorities have identified several recipients of funds from his private accounts, and further legal action is expected.
The Attorney General’s office has vowed to hold all perpetrators accountable, reaffirming its commitment to justice and financial integrity.
Full Breakdown
On February 25th, 2025, EOCO received intelligence that Adu-Boahene had left Ghana for the UK aboard British Airways flight BA078. However, further information suggested that he had continued his travel to Dubai, where he had booked a return flight to Ghana on Emirates Flight EK187 for March 21st, 2025. On March 20th, it was revealed that Adu-Boahene had canceled his flight and rescheduled his return for April 8th.
In response, EOCO expanded its surveillance operations, considering the possibility that Adu-Boahene might have returned to London to avoid detection. The operation took a crucial turn when authorities discovered a name similar to that of Adu-Boahene on a British Airways flight, suggesting that he had altered his name in official documents. On March 21st, 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.
Addressing journalists in Accra on Monday, Dr Ayine said Adu-Boahene is believed to hold multiple passports, including two service passports and potentially a foreign passport, which raises suspicions of him holding dual or multiple nationalities.
EOCO also revealed that his wife holds a British passport. The investigation into his financial dealings has uncovered significant evidence of illicit activity.
During his tenure as Director of the NSB, Adu-Boahene was responsible for overseeing critical national security infrastructure, including contracts with foreign companies. In 2020, he signed a deal with an Israeli company, ISC Holdings Limited, to purchase cyber defense software for $7 million.
However, an audit of the National Signals Bureau’s finances revealed that substantial amounts of money were transferred from the Bureau’s account to Adu-Boahene’s private company, BNC Communications Bureau Limited, which he co-owns with his wife.
In total, Adu-Boahene is alleged to have transferred approximately GHS 49 million (around $7 million) from the NSB’s funds into his personal accounts, falsely justifying these transactions as payments for the cyber defense systems.
While an initial payment of GHS 9.5 million (about $1.75 million) was transferred to ISC Holdings, no further payments were made to the company. Instead, subsequent funds were 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 vowed to hold all those involved in this scheme accountable and ensure that justice is served.