Ex-National Signals Bureau Chief Arrested Over $7 Million Cyber Defense Fund Diversion
Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dominic Ayine, has revealed that Kwabena Adu Boahene, former Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB), was arrested in connection with the misappropriation of $7 million earmarked for a cyber defense system.
At a press conference on Monday, March 24, 2025, Ayine detailed the circumstances surrounding the case, stating that public funds meant to bolster Ghana’s cybersecurity infrastructure were instead funneled into Adu Boahene’s private account.
“The contract, valued at $7 million, was intended to enhance Ghana’s capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats, data breaches, and digital espionage,” the Attorney-General disclosed.
However, despite the strategic importance of the project, Adu Boahene allegedly engaged in unauthorized financial transactions.
“In his capacity as Director of the National Signals Bureau, Mr. Adu Boahene, on January 30, 2020, signed a contract on behalf of the Government of Ghana and National Security with an Israeli firm, RLC Holdings Limited, for the purchase of a cyber defense system software valued at $7 million,” Ayine stated.
Just a week later, on February 6, 2020, he allegedly transferred an initial sum of GHS 27.1 million (equivalent to approximately $5 million at the time) from the NSB’s Fidelity Bank account to a private BNC account at Universal Merchant Bank (UMB), under the pretext of funding the contract. The funds were then reportedly funneled into a company privately owned by Adu Boahene.
The revelation has heightened scrutiny over financial oversight in Ghana’s security sector, particularly concerning high-value contracts. Adu Boahene, who was arrested upon arrival at Kotoka International Airport on March 20, 2025, is currently under investigation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
Authorities are also examining whether the former NSB chief used part of the diverted funds to obtain foreign citizenship, with investigators confirming he possesses multiple service passports.
His arrest has sparked political controversy, with Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin condemning it as politically motivated. However, government officials maintain that the prosecution is part of a broader effort to curb financial misconduct in public institutions.
Adu Boahene and his wife face up to 25 years in prison if found guilty of illegally amassing wealth and financial crimes. The case is expected to be closely followed as the government intensifies its anti-corruption drive.
