Why Kwabena Adu-Boahene was arrested: Full details revealed

Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine has confirmed the arrest of Kwabena Adu-Boahene, the former Director General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), on charges of embezzlement, fraud, and illicit financial transactions. The arrest follows an extensive investigation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) into his financial dealings.

Adu-Boahene, who led the NSB from 2017 until his departure in February 2025, is accused of siphoning millions of Ghanaian cedis from state funds into private accounts. Authorities suspect he used fraudulent justifications to transfer large sums meant for national security projects to his personal business.

### International Travel and Arrest

EOCO launched its investigation after receiving intelligence that Adu-Boahene had left Ghana for the UK on February 25, 2025, aboard British Airways flight BA078. However, further reports indicated he proceeded to Dubai, booking a return flight to Ghana on Emirates Flight EK187 for March 21, 2025. Just a day before his scheduled return, he canceled his flight and postponed it to April 8, raising suspicions about his movements.

To track his whereabouts, EOCO intensified its surveillance amid concerns that he might have traveled back to London to evade authorities. The investigation took a critical turn when officials detected a name similar to Adu-Boahene’s on a British Airways flight manifest, hinting at possible identity alterations in official records. On March 21, 2025, he was intercepted by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) at Kotoka International Airport while attempting to use the Commercially Important Persons (CIP) terminal.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Dr. Ayine stated, “Adu-Boahene is believed to hold multiple passports, including two service passports and potentially a foreign passport, which raises suspicions of dual or multiple nationalities.”

Further investigations also revealed that his wife is a British passport holder, and authorities have uncovered significant evidence linking Adu-Boahene to illicit financial transactions.

### Misuse of National Security Funds

As the head of the NSB, Adu-Boahene oversaw crucial national security projects, including government contracts with international firms. In 2020, he brokered a $7 million deal with Israeli company ISC Holdings Limited for cyber defense software. However, an audit of NSB finances revealed that substantial amounts of money were funneled into Adu-Boahene’s private company, BNC Communications Bureau Limited, which he co-owns with his wife.

Investigators allege that he transferred approximately GHS 49 million (around $7 million) from NSB accounts into his personal holdings under the pretense of payments for cyber defense systems. While an initial payment of GHS 9.5 million (about $1.75 million) was sent to ISC Holdings, the remaining funds were instead diverted for personal investments and untraceable transactions.

Dr. Ayine affirmed that EOCO’s inquiries are ongoing, stating, “EOCO has identified several individuals who may have received transfers from Adu-Boahene’s private accounts.” The Attorney General’s office has vowed to ensure all those involved face legal consequences, pledging that “justice will be served.”

Authorities continue to investigate Adu-Boahene’s financial dealings, with additional suspects expected to be implicated as the case unfolds.

Detailed Report

On February 25, 2025, EOCO received intelligence that Adu-Boahene had left Ghana for the UK on British Airways flight BA078. However, further information indicated that he continued to Dubai, booking a return flight to Ghana on Emirates Flight EK187 for March 21, 2025. On March 20, it was discovered that he had canceled his flight and rescheduled his return for April 8.

In response, EOCO expanded its surveillance amid concerns that Adu-Boahene might have returned to London to evade detection. The investigation took a critical turn when authorities identified a name similar to his on a British Airways flight, raising suspicions that he had altered his identity in official records. On March 21, 2025, Adu-Boahene was intercepted by the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) at Kotoka International Airport while attempting to use the Commercially Important Persons (CIP) terminal.

Speaking to journalists in Accra on Monday, Dr. Ayine revealed that Adu-Boahene is suspected of holding multiple passports, including two service passports and possibly a foreign one, suggesting dual or multiple nationalities. EOCO also confirmed that his wife holds a British passport. The investigation into his financial activities has uncovered significant evidence of wrongdoing.

As the former Director of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), Adu-Boahene was responsible for key national security contracts, including a $7 million deal with Israeli firm ISC Holdings Limited for cyber defense software in 2020. However, a financial audit revealed that large sums of money were funneled from NSB accounts into his private company, BNC Communications Bureau Limited, which he co-owns with his wife.

It is alleged that Adu-Boahene transferred approximately GHS 49 million (around $7 million) from NSB funds into his personal accounts, falsely labeling the transactions as payments for cyber defense systems. While an initial payment of GHS 9.5 million (about $1.75 million) was made to ISC Holdings, no further payments were sent. Instead, the remaining funds were redirected for personal investments and transfers to undisclosed recipients.

Dr. Ayine confirmed that EOCO’s investigation is ongoing, with several individuals identified as possible beneficiaries of Adu-Boahene’s transactions. The Attorney General’s office has pledged to hold all involved accountable and ensure justice is served.

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