Kwabena Adu-Boahene, the former Director-General of Ghana’s National Signals Bureau (NSB), has been arrested on charges of financial misconduct involving the diversion of over $7 million from a cyber defense contract. The disclosure came from Ghana’s Attorney-General, Dominic Ayine, during a press briefing on March 24.

Mr.Adu-Boahene, who signed a $7 million agreement on January 30, 2020, with Israeli firm RLC Holdings Limited for the procurement of cybersecurity infrastructure, is accused of diverting funds meant to bolster the country’s digital security. The contract was intended to strengthen Ghana’s capacity to prevent cyber threats and data breaches.

However, investigations revealed that just days after signing the deal, Adu-Boahene allegedly transferred an initial payment of GH¢27.1 million (roughly $4.5 million) from the NSB’s account at Fidelity Bank to a private account under his control at UMB Bank. The funds, which were documented as payment for the cyber defense system software, were instead redirected to a private company owned by Adu-Boahene and his wife, BNC.

According to Ayine, further scrutiny revealed that Adu-Boahene and his wife used the illicit funds to acquire multiple properties both within Ghana and abroad. The Attorney-General confirmed that the former NSB director and his spouse remain in custody, with other individuals implicated in the case still under investigation.

This case highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on corruption and improve oversight mechanisms for public spending, particularly in the vital area of national cybersecurity. Ayine reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing financial irregularities and preventing future misuse of public funds.

The cyber defense system, which was expected to enhance Ghana’s ability to defend against digital espionage, remains delayed due to the alleged misappropriation of funds.

Source:TheDotNews