The Accra High Court has dismissed a request by lawyers for Kwabena Adu Boahene, former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), to suspend his ongoing criminal trial pending the outcome of an appeal on an earlier ruling.
The ruling, delivered on Friday, October 17, 2025, means that the trial will continue even as the appeal is being heard, with no automatic halt to the prosecution’s case.
Why the Defence Sought a Stay
The defence team, led by Samuel Atta-Akyea, had appealed a previous High Court decision that denied them access to certain disclosure materials they claim are essential to ensuring a fair trial.
They argued that without those documents described as material and exculpatory their client could not properly defend himself, and therefore urged the court to suspend proceedings until the appeal was determined.
However, the High Court rejected the application, holding that there were no sufficient grounds to justify pausing the trial.
Prosecution’s Position
The state, represented by Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem-Sai, opposed the request, arguing that the defence had failed to demonstrate any exceptional circumstances warranting a stay.
Prosecutors further maintained that the materials sought by the defence were either irrelevant to the case or not in the possession of the prosecution grounds that had earlier informed the court’s refusal to compel further disclosure.
Co-Accused Turns State Witness
In a related development, the Attorney-General, Dr Dominic Ayine, this week withdrew charges against Mildred Donkor, the third accused, under Section 59 of Act 30, to enable her to testify for the prosecution.
A notice filed at the High Court on October 15 confirmed that Donkor will serve as a prosecution witness, expected to testify about her dealings and financial transactions with Adu Boahene and others a move anticipated to strengthen the state’s case.
Case Background
Adu Boahene and three others are standing trial on multiple charges, including stealing, money laundering (involving GH¢49.1 million), willfully causing financial loss to the state, and abuse of public office.
The co-accused include his wife, Angela Adjei Boateng, Advantage Solutions Limited, and previously, Mildred Donkor who is now expected to assist the prosecution as a witness.
